Tires R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs

   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #1  

RalphVa

Super Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2003
Messages
7,885
Location
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Tractor
JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
Gotta admit that R4s are better forward and backward in the snow than R3 turfs. R4s nor R3s turn in the snow worth a ****. Need individual rear brakes for that like my 4010 had or a JD 2025. R3s turn better on grass. R4s aren't worth a **** turning in grass, but they won't tear up the grass like R3s do in the turns (grip; tear).

Ralph
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #2  
Gotta admit that R4s are better forward and backward in the snow than R3 turfs. R4s nor R3s turn in the snow worth a ****. Need individual rear brakes for that like my 4010 had or a JD 2025. R3s turn better on grass. R4s aren't worth a **** turning in grass, but they won't tear up the grass like R3s do in the turns (grip; tear).

Ralph

Boy, my experience has been just the opposite, both in the snow and on grass. And just last night, when I was plowing the 9" we got yesterday, my neighbor commented again that he wished he had my big Titan R3s on his Kubota M6040, instead of his R4s. He has to use chains. The Titan R3s are very impressive. I'm thinking the overall size of the tire may make a difference in the effectiveness of specific tread styles. The bigger the tires, the bigger and deeper the lugs on the R3s.
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #3  
I have R4's on mine and am very happy with them. I had ag tires on my Farmall and I hated them. I was stuck most of the time. My neighbour has turfs on his tractor and he plows snow with it and never seems to get stuck.
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #4  
Although I have chains on my trufs now, just because I hate putting them on when the conditions A) require them and B) those conditions mean its nasty work, but the turfs work fine in regular snow. More gripping edges equal more traction. Nuff said.
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #5  
Well, I got R1s and they tear the snot out of my grass, leave deep chevon marks etc - I honestly try to stay off my grass with the tractor. In snow it a completely different story. They work great in snow just like they do in soft dirt. I just wish my volcanic rock would quit taking bites out of the tread bars.
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #6  
I must say, R4s look a lot tougher than either of the others, and supposedly will carry a lot more weight. As far as driving around, turning, or pushing, they pretty much suck.

Just my 2 cents worth..............
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #7  
I have R4's on mine and am very happy with them. I had ag tires on my Farmall and I hated them. I was stuck most of the time. My neighbour has turfs on his tractor and he plows snow with it and never seems to get stuck.
4WD vs 2WD, right?
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #8  
Probably depends on how worn your tires are. I didn't have any problems the first year with my R4s. After a couple years of wear, the treads don't have as sharp an edge to them and don't bit into the snow and ice like they did when new. Doesn't mean the tires won't last many more years/decades. Just means it's time to start pricing chains.
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #9  
I find Turfs to be the best in the winter. Good grip on ice, nice wide footprint. The only thing they don't handle well is 6 - 8 inch of corn or meal type snow, then again not much does.
 
   / R4s are better in the snow than R3 turfs #10  
Gotta admit that R4s are better forward and backward in the snow than R3 turfs. R4s nor R3s turn in the snow worth a ****.

Deep snow or compacted snow? I think the general consensus here is that turfs are the best in snow and R4s the worst, hence the huge thread about improving R4s for snow. My experience is certainly so. Everyone with a snow contract over here uses turfs (chains not allowed) and does just fine, better than the big Ag tractors with R1s. Never had a problem with turning either.

/marcus
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

10x16.5 Tire Assembly (A51039)
10x16.5 Tire...
2013 JLG 8042 TELEHANDLER (A50854)
2013 JLG 8042...
PALLET OF FUSION EQUIPMENT (A50854)
PALLET OF FUSION...
Harper SB1300 Straw Blower with Hose (A51039)
Harper SB1300...
2020 New Holland 105 Workmaster MFWD Compact Tractor with 632TL Front Loader - Poultry Special (A51039)
2020 New Holland...
2018 Ram 3500 Bucket Truck with Duralift DTS29 - 34FT Walk-In Bucket, HEMI Gas, 98K Miles (A51039)
2018 Ram 3500...
 
Top