Tires R4s or Turf Tires

[Tom_H]

I should clarify that when using my FEL, I often am digging with a toothbar in rough ground that has been ripped or rototilled. Turfs just don't work there, as I have to push hard into the ground. R4s get traction while turfs spin in these conditions. Under differing circumstances, say scooping sand from pavement with no toothbar, I wouldn't expect that to happen.

 

[art]

I like the turfs for most all applications. The R-4's are a bit aggressive and yet not on turf. The turfs fit most applications as they give more of a foot print or rubber on the ground for gripping then the r-4's which are very unflexible.

 

[Barnboy]

Hey I live in Oreana. Great place! I have R4's on my B3030. If i was doing alot of yard mowing in the spring i would prefer the turfs. I dont use my MMM for the yard. I bought the MMM to mow around the field. Middle summer i have no problems with my R4's on the turf

 

[Fug1000]

Aren't Turfs more costly than R4s? Your dealer is offering an even trade for a tire that kicks butt. Unless you are planing to excavate your yard, get the turfs while you can.

 

[MOPAULY]

I have no problems with my turfs unless the ground is saturated and pure clay. At that point the tires load up, cannot clean themselves, and render the tractor useless pretty quick. That is the ONLY time I've had an issue. Otherwise be it snow, mulch, soil, or leveling the ground, the turfs do the job.

 

[JLoaf]

I have turfs on my B2710. I have the rears 1/2 full of fluid to reduce bounce and increase stability. My turfs are 7 rib - 7 lines of lugs. I have seen the 5-rib (5 lines of lugs) and I think the 5 rib would be more desirable. The 5 rib have much larger and deeper lugs. I do not know if they perform any better? but they look better - and that's really all that matters .
My turfs do pretty good for loader work. 4WD helps a lot. I have also used it to pull my kids through the snow/ice with no noticeable slipping.
My turfs are not nearly as tough as R4's. Every time my brother borrows my B2710 he pokes a hole in a tire. So, if you have turfs, don't loan it to your brother!

 

[teachdocs]

The majority of BX owners, including myself, are of the opinion that R4s cause little turf damage under proper conditions, and provide good traction when doing loader or snow work, while turfs do not provide the necessary traction for snow or loader work. I cannot speak with experience about the B series.

I can say that the only time my R4s have had problems on the turf is when the clay soil has been supersaturated by too much rain or irrigation, or when I forgot and left the tractor in 4wd. When turf is not overly wet, and I am in 2wd, I never have problems. (Were you in 4wd? If so, you might go do a couple of turns on the turf in 2wd and see if it differs.)

When I bought the tractor, I got both sets of tires on separate rims. I also bought a hydraulic jack, wheel chocks, and electric impact wrench, all on sale and cheap at Harbor Freight. This allowed me to change tires NASCAR pit stop quickly (actually, more like 4 min.) whenever I thought I needed to change tires for a different application. Thing is, I found I couldn't do loader work with the turfs on, and the R4s didn't harm the sod, so the turfs have been laying under the house for almost 6 years.

The experiences of others may differ from mine so consider the advice that best rings true to your conditions. Good luck with your decision.

I agree. The R4's on a BX seem to be an all around better solution if you mow and snow.
If you just mow, then stick with the turfs.
I bought both sets and the turfs have been on the tractor only once.

 

[4x4sche]

I ordered R4's on my 5030 and swapped them for turf tires after 4 months. I much prefer the turfs and would never go back to the R4.

They are a lot wider front and rear and spread the load. When using the loader with a full bucket they are much more able to carry the weight without digging into the dirt. The tractor is more stable because it is lower to the ground. My pasture never gets ruts if I mow.

I can use the rotiller with ease.

Get the turfs.

 

[lawn_king]

I ran turfs on my B7500 and now have them on my B3030. They are a great multi purpose tire. Some members here at tbn think turfs are better than r4's in the snow. We do lots of snow work here in new england and the turfs work well for us!

 

[twodogs]

I have a B7800 with loaded turf tires. I have a FEL that & I use my tractor for cutting my fields with a brush hog, cutting my yard with my MMM, and I use it to clear my driveway in the winter. I have no complaints to date as far as turfing the yard/lawn or getting stuck anywhere. I have used it loading fieldstone, mulch, gravel, & dirt - at times in muddy conditions. I have spoken with people who regret the R4 tires. After speaking with my dealer before my original purchase - he advised against the R4 tires for the very reason that you are speaking of - turfing the yard.