Chains R4s combined with chains when needed

Doc_Bob · Apr 24, 2006

Another question! What do folks think about getting R4s combined with chains when needed (mud, snow, slippery conditions) versus R1s? My tractor will never see the lawn or turf. Some folks have reasonably suggested that R4s have better resale.

As always, I really appreciate the help you have all given me. TBN is a lifesaver. I cannot imagine trying to buy a CUT without the help of TBN.
Bob

daTeacha · Apr 25, 2006

The R4 tires have the tough "ghetto" bad boy look to them and many folks find them appealing from an appearance standpoint, myslef included. However, if you want the best traction with the least messing around, get the R1s. Answer this question for yourself -- How many big and serious tractors do you see running R4 tires? I would venture not too many. Since you have no lawn use planned and have traction concerns, get the R1s. Get some nordic style chains if you think you can justify the investment, but the R1s will handle almost anything except solid ice and mud so deep that you probably shouldn't be out there tearing things up at that time anyways.

You see R4s on construction equipment that sees pavement quite a lot and on CUTs. They look totally unstoppable and definitely give the tractor a different image, Hollywood style, but R1s give more traction. R4s are a popular compromise tire for CUTs that will see lawn service plus other uses. Just as CUTs are for many a step up from a lawn mower, the R4 tires are a step up in the toughness and utility image.

For others, the CUT is a small tractor, not an overgrown lawn mower. It will never be used to mow, so the damage done to a lawn is not important. The work is more important than the look, and R1s are the tires to use.

Heavy equipment that sees really tough conditions runs solid tires that resemble R4s but are not. R4s are supposed to be a bit tougher than Ags, but they can still get punctured.

Just think of your CUT as a real tractor and get the Ags. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Doc_Bob · Apr 25, 2006

( The R4 tires have the tough "ghetto" bad boy look to them and many folks find them appealing from an appearance standpoint, myslef included. However, if you want the best traction with the least messing around, get the R1s. Answer this question for yourself -- How many big and serious tractors do you see running R4 tires? I would venture not too many. Since you have no lawn use planned and have traction concerns, get the R1s. Get some nordic style chains if you think you can justify the investment, but the R1s will handle almost anything except solid ice and mud so deep that you probably shouldn't be out there tearing things up at that time anyways.

You see R4s on construction equipment that sees pavement quite a lot and on CUTs. They look totally unstoppable and definitely give the tractor a different image, Hollywood style, but R1s give more traction. R4s are a popular compromise tire for CUTs that will see lawn service plus other uses. Just as CUTs are for many a step up from a lawn mower, the R4 tires are a step up in the toughness and utility image.

For others, the CUT is a small tractor, not an overgrown lawn mower. It will never be used to mow, so the damage done to a lawn is not important. The work is more important than the look, and R1s are the tires to use.

Heavy equipment that sees really tough conditions runs solid tires that resemble R4s but are not. R4s are supposed to be a bit tougher than Ags, but they can still get punctured.

Just think of your CUT as a real tractor and get the Ags. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

Rich, I will get the AGS!
Bob

MikePA · Apr 25, 2006

The R4 tires have the tough "ghetto" bad boy look to them and many folks find them appealing from an appearance standpoint, myslef included. 
Just so Doc_Bob knows that 'many folks' doesn't apply to TBNers. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif In all the years I've been on TBN, I don't recall anyone, ever mentioning buying R4s based upon their appearance. As a compromise between R1s and turfs, yes. For better puncture resistance, yes. Because they mow lawns and Ags would tear up the lawn, yes. Never because they have a "ghetto" bad boy look.

R1s - traction
Turfs - easy on lawns
R4s - compromise between R1s and Turfs

daTeacha · Apr 26, 2006

Yeah, I should have put that qualifier in there. The guys here are here for the same reasons I started -- interest in the best equipment for the jobs to be done. Doc Bob, you're doing what we all did for a while before finalizing the details of a purchase. I agonized over the tire thing quite a while and as I've said before, one brother at the dealership advised R4 while the other advised R1. My tractor will work better for me with the R1 tires in a couple of jobs I need to do, and the lack of that extra 6" of width from the R4s will be beneficial quite often, even if it doesn't look quite as macho without them. As for puncture resistance, I figure I won't have any since I ran the Kubota around in my woods for several years and never holed a tire. Maybe I shouldn't say that, since now I'll probably ruin one in the first hour or two I put on the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

MadReferee · Apr 26, 2006

I put ladder chains on my R4's during the winter for snow removal. My driveway tends to ice up alot and the chains help keep the sliding to the bare minimum.

One thing about chains and R4's is that, depending on the chain type, they tend to get stuck between the treads and you loose a little of the advantage that chains give. Alot will depend on the stuff yhou are moving thru and the design of the chains.