Mowing R1s for mowing?

orange1 · Mar 31, 2005

Will these tires really tear up the ground when mowing with a compact tractor? I know the R4s would be the best compromise. I have many hills on my property and am not too concerned about scuffs here and there , but I don't want to rip the lawn to shreds either. The tractor I am now looking at is JD 4210 with mid mount mower - it is used has the R1s on it. Should I reconsider the possible purchase or would it be ok for mowing. I will use it often for mowing and loader work. Thanks.

Holzster · Mar 31, 2005

It will really depend on what type of soil you have & how wet the groumd is.
I have a Kubota L4330 with R1's & I mowed a lot on our clay soil with no issue but when the ground is wet i do make little ruts.

SnowRidge · Mar 31, 2005

Hmmm, you have hills and you are the "orange1." In Tennessee, by any chance?

I faced the same decision and chose R4's. I haven't regretted it a bit.

Boondox · Mar 31, 2005

Depends on your conditions. I finish mow with my L3010 with filled R1s and unless the ground is wet, they leave very little evidence of their passing. Can't use R4s here because they fill with that lovely VT clay and become slicks. My last Kubota ran turf tires, and when trying to drive up the meadow (20% grade) when the grass was wet they would slip and leave horrible gouges in the grass. But back to your choice -- I've been entirely satisfied with my aggies. No regrets at all.

Pete

Darren · Mar 31, 2005

I went with ags too because of the hills. Turf treads wouldn't be safe. I put up with the damage to the grass. At least it's not as bad as the time I turned a 40,000 lb excavator out by the barn. That scrapped up a whole lot of grass /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif which the better half continues to remind me of to this day. In comparison the Ags do a miniscule amount of damage. She still doesn't like it but she's seen far worse. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

PineRidge · Mar 31, 2005

If I didn't need the tractor for mowing I would most likely choose the ag's.

However in the real world I do have to use my machine to mow so that it can earn it's keep.

Mine is a Class III Boomer so it's a bit heavy. I don't get on the lawn when it's soft, but as soon as it firms up I take off the cast iron weight and attach the RFM.

I think the R-4s are a good go between the "turfs and ag's."

I'm happy with them until I get into the mud, then they are about useless.

orange1 · Apr 1, 2005

Was told today by someone, that I cannot use a belly mower with ag tires. Is this true? He said because of the size of the R1s, they hit the back of the belly mower...

milkman · Apr 1, 2005

Can't answer that question till we know what you're referring to. tractor, mower, etc.

Soundguy · Apr 1, 2005

Yep.. I agree.. soil and grass will be the deciding factor. in my horse-packed down- pasature I could mow with a cement truck and not leave a mark. on the other hand if you have a lush soft st augustine lawn and 8" of topsoil.. then.. No.. I wouldn't use ag tires on it.

Soundguy

caylor · Apr 1, 2005

Like mentioned above, it depends on the tractor. I use a 72" MMM on my Kubota L3130 with ags. My dealer told me that I could not use the 72" MMM on the tractor without ags, the R4's were too wide and caused interference with the MMM.