Tires R4s chewing up lawn

[k0ua]

Everything is a compromise one way or the other, I have R4's and have had for the last several tractors, but they can and will tear up lawn if it is too wet, and you turn too tight.. Plan ahead to make a minimum of turns and 2wd is better than 4wd as you don't want any tire scuffing. Of course if you are trying to push over a tree in your yard, well then all bets are off, anything that invites tire spinning is going to tear heck out of your lawn. R1's tear the heck out of most lawns quick in any case. and Although I have never owned any turfs on a tractor, I am sure they are probably the best on "turf" I am guessing that is why they call them that. The ideal tractor will be an Anti gravity machine that floats over the ground, and carry's a big load in the FEL, and suspends a mower too.
But I haven't seen any of those for sale yet. So in the meantime we have to choose a compromise do everything well tire . Or have different rims and tires for different jobs. Or different tractors.

James K0UA

 

[msmud]

When my R4s were overinflated the increased ground pressure of the contact patch bit more deeply into the lawn. Now that my rear tires are down to 8.5 psi, and the fronts at 17.5, the bite is wider, more superficial and less destructive.

 

[rekees4300]

Any of you owners experience your lawn getting chewed up by the tread design of the R4s?

R4's were not designed for mowing lawns. They are a comprise between R1's and turf tires. If the primary use of your tractor is mowing the lawn then you should switch to turf tires.

 

[shortthrow50]

turf tires REALLY shine on lawn and in snow. If thats the primary than thats the only way to go. R4's shine for loader work or any type of dirt work. R4's are as good as garbage for snow or ice without chains.

 

[mfreund]

Wow, I should have read this before I mowed with my R4's for the last 4 years. The only time they make any marks the ground is too soft to be mowing with any tires. If you are getting marks, slow down when turning or wait for it to dry out. I even have 4 70 lb weights on the front of my 4310.

 

[kco]

Wow, I should have read this before I mowed with my R4's for the last 4 years. The only time they make any marks the ground is too soft to be mowing with any tires. If you are getting marks, slow down when turning or wait for it to dry out....

Same here, but I am just on the second year of using the tractor instead of riding mower. It also helps to avoid tight turns and making too many passes to do a perfect job. I use a push mower to trim around edges, trees, etc.

 

[mfreund]

I use a 322 lawn tractor and Round up for my trimming :thumbsup:

 

[Cntryboy0075]

Neighbors all had R4s back east. They never had any issues mowing providing it want wet, and never had trouble plowing snow. Turfs remind me of radials van tires, probably great on hard surfaces like a yard, absolutely can not see where they would be worth a plug nickel in any snow without chains.

 

[whistlepig]

I mow with R4's and don't have a problem with them. They didn't work very well in the snow though. Even in 4WD. I ended up buying chains.

 

[gary_dsc]

I have had R4s on my last three tractors and have had no problems with yard damage as long as I use common sense when I mow and allow the wet yard to dry out some. In fact, the tractors I had before that all had turfs and my lawn looks as good now as it did then. I haven't had any problems pushing snow with the R4s either and I don't have chains like I did with the turf tire equipped tractors. If I had steep hills to mow or plow then I would guess I might have problems. I think terrain would have a major input into which type of tire should be used. What works for me may not work for you.