R4 tire limitations.

[DMB]

I found the limits. It's rained a lot here recently, my new place still has some bare spots and ths soil is sticky with quite a bit of clay. I tried some mowing this morning and found in the bare spots the R4 tires pretty quickly are mudballs with the soil sticking to the tires like glue. On not much incline forward motion was nil. No more mowing today, but about an hour of cleaning up the tractor and mower. It'll have to dry out some more before I try again. I don't think that what happened was bad as much as it was educational. Now I know the limits of my tractor and it's tires. I also know now I need to hurry up and get those bare spots seeded! Would R1s have done any better, or just have disturbed the ground more? DMB.

 

[schole]

I had similar thoughts after trying to get into the bush a little early this spring -- before all the slushy, half-melted snow had shrunk down to less than 24".

I was seriously reconsidering my choice of R4s. I have been keeping my eyes open for a set of chains ever since.

Since it has dried up, I have been extremely pleased with the R4s for all round toughness, stability and (vainly) great looks.

Interesting to hear someone else voice the same thoughts.

Shawn

 

[Dargo]

What kind of tractor do you have? I have similar soil, and I've noticed very little difference in traction from the R1's that I've had on a dozen or so tractors and the R4's I've had on the last 3. I'm very well pleased with them. Nearly the same traction for me, and much less damage.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Would R1s have done any better, or just have disturbed the ground more? </font>
Yes, to both. The R1s are self cleaning and will normally keep you moving in most cares, but the ground will pay a higher price.

 

[beenthere]

My take, is that the R-4's have less traction in mud than the R-1's I used to have, but have better cleaning ability after being in the mud. That is, when leaving the mud 'area', the R-4's don't drag so much mud to other areas. I pulled logs from the woods with the R-4's that were large and lost traction before I lost power. With my R-1's, I would raise the front end of the tractor from traction being too good, i.e. had better traction.
So, all in all I like the R-4's best, because they also do less damage to the lawn than the R-1's did.

Just my experience. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[DMB]

Dargo, my tractor is a 2615 Mahindra gear with ML106 loader and a 6' First Choice finish mower. All three pieces make about 3,600 lbs I'd guess. JerryG, I tend to agree R1s would pull through, but leave a distinct signature (rutting effect) in the soil. I still think R4s was the correct choice for my use, but having a limit I need to be aware of. Well, I know that limit now. Trial and error, live and learn. Interesting answers from everybody, some info to file away in memory for future reference. DMB.

 

[John_Mc]

You're probably better off not mowing when it's that wet anyway. You get greater soil compaction when it's wet, and risk tearing up roots as well.

 

[frank_f15]

i have had R1's and now R4's and i like the R4 very much, granted the tractors the had AGS were 2 wd while this is 4wd. if its really that muddy stay off the tractor or get some chains.

 

[Dargo]

Auuggghh! I went through an area where I drained a lake earlier today when bush hogging and didn't realize that it was firm on top, but at around 7000 pounds, I broke through. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

In about one revolution of the tires in 4X4, I was down to the axles. From experience of having R1's for 10 or 12 years, they really wouldn't have helped much in this situation. Fortunately, with the T&T, I was able to raise the bush hog completely clear of the ground (by about 5 feet!), and was able to paddle myself out with my loader. Once I quit pushing the thick mud with the front axle, it powered itself on out which was about another 40 or 50 feet. I'm sure R1's would have been somewhat better on traction, but being narrower, I would have sunk more and battled the dragging axles longer. I think it is a toss up for me getting through those areas. Uh, I'll avoid that spot from now on. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Oh yeah, when bush hogging through very heavy briars, I had a nice buck with a huge rack nearly ram my loader when I took him by surprise. Is it legal to hunt deer with a front loader? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[sassafraspete]

I probably could have taken him with one scoop on my branson and toothbar....re the buck that is. If I missed, I would have just combed his fur with my 18 teeth. I am only surmising this since I catch so many bluegill with my branson.

As to the R4s.... what I have found is that if your tires are loading up with mud.....the tractor should be sitting in the shed anyway. It is a good indicator of when to back off , and do something else. I like the width and sidewall strength on these hills around here.

sassafras