Recommendation for large, smooth sided R1 tires

[Dunno]

Hello,
I’m looking for new 18.4r38 R1 tires for my Ford 8240 tractor for parades. I bought Goodyear Duratorque in that size, had them shipped in, only to discover that the sidewalks are covered in those little rubber “hairs” from the mold. They look awful and are going back. I looked at the other older tires on my other tractors, and they have the smooth, shiny sidewall look I’m after. Anyone know a preferably US made tire with the look I want? Thanks.

 

[leonz]

They are all like that, do not send them back.

 

[Dunno]

Leonz,
Thanks for the feedback. I looked at the Firestone Evo, and a pic online shows them smooth. Upon further research, and finding a real picture of the tire, it too looked like it had the mold hairs on there. The Goodyears are what I want, so I will hold for a day or two and do some more research. They are supposed to be picked up today, so that’s good info you have. Have you seen all of the other tire brands as well? Considering Firestone, Titan, Carlisle, Goodyear, and maybe Michelin, but want USA rubber on my tractor. Best regards.

PS Simple Tire has been really great to deal with, want to give them a plug.

 

[RayIN]

Hello,
I’m looking for new 18.4r38 R1 tires for my Ford 8240 tractor for parades. I bought Goodyear Duratorque in that size, had them shipped in, only to discover that the sidewalks are covered in those little rubber “hairs” from the mold. They look awful and are going back. I looked at the other older tires on my other tractors, and they have the smooth, shiny sidewall look I’m after. Anyone know a preferably US made tire with the look I want? Thanks.

Got an old fingernail clipper? Got a kid wanting to make a few bucks?

 

[dieselscout80]

Leonz,
Thanks for the feedback. I looked at the Firestone Evo, and a pic online shows them smooth. Upon further research, and finding a real picture of the tire, it too looked like it had the mold hairs on there. The Goodyears are what I want, so I will hold for a day or two and do some more research. They are supposed to be picked up today, so that’s good info you have. Have you seen all of the other tire brands as well? Considering Firestone, Titan, Carlisle, Goodyear, and maybe Michelin, but want USA rubber on my tractor. Best regards.

PS Simple Tire has been really great to deal with, want to give them a plug.

I would bet that the online picture has been generated or touched up to smooth it out.

 

[Dunno]

Well, I kept the Goodyears and will cut them off. I removed some in a section and the area looks good from 15 feet away. The tractor will be used for pulling and parades, hence wanting it to look good. I really wanted the Made in USA Goodyears because that is what looks best on a Ford tractor IMHO. I’ll experiment on the inside sidewall to see what method of removal is quickest and leaves the smoothest finish. I plan to do it with some frostys on hand, gonna need a lot, which is good. Best regards.

 

[RayIN]

FWIW, I have the Goodyear 14.9x38 Dynatorque tires on my farm tractor, they give a very uncomfortable ride on hard surfaces at low speed. IMO this is because the lugs are widely spaced, and every other lug is offset so it is the only lug in contact with the hard surface.
They pull excellent in soft dirt though.

 

[Dunno]

Ray,
I have the Duratorque in the 38s which have the equal length lugs. I do have Dynatorques on my 4610, and I do notice the choppy ride. The 8240 is mostly for looks, and the Genesis 456 engine (7.5l). It will get worked, but we’ll see.

 

[Tinhack]

Flush-cut nippers work well for stuff like that. They don't have a curved blade like nail clippers. Cut them flush and don't pull on them. If you do, it'll leave a hole.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hello,
I’m looking for new 18.4r38 R1 tires for my Ford 8240 tractor for parades. I bought Goodyear Duratorque in that size, had them shipped in, only to discover that the sidewalks are covered in those little rubber “hairs” from the mold. They look awful and are going back. I looked at the other older tires on my other tractors, and they have the smooth, shiny sidewall look I’m after. Anyone know a preferably US made tire with the look I want? Thanks.

Torch.

 

[RayIN]

Flush-cut nippers work well for stuff like that. They don't have a curved blade like nail clippers. Cut them flush and don't pull on them. If you do, it'll leave a hole.

I forgot about those, and I have 4 in my toolbox. Good catch!

 

[Hay Dude]

Leonz,
Thanks for the feedback. I looked at the Firestone Evo, and a pic online shows them smooth. Upon further research, and finding a real picture of the tire, it too looked like it had the mold hairs on there. The Goodyears are what I want, so I will hold for a day or two and do some more research. They are supposed to be picked up today, so that’s good info you have. Have you seen all of the other tire brands as well? Considering Firestone, Titan, Carlisle, Goodyear, and maybe Michelin, but want USA rubber on my tractor. Best regards.

PS Simple Tire has been really great to deal with, want to give them a plug.

Firestone and Michelin are better R-1 Ag tires than Good-for-a-Years, IMO.
Heck I like Trelleborg and CEAT, too.


I have 2 tractors with (4) Trellborgs on each of them and really like em. Never a problem.

 

[RayIN]

Hay Dude; your Trellborgs have the bars/lugs closer together than Goodyear and many other brands.
That equates to more pulling power/rubber on the ground. My Goodyears have perhaps 6-7" between bars on the same side, that equates to better traction in muddy conditions; less traction/less rubber on the ground on firm to hard surfaces. At low speed on hard surfaces my Goodyears will shake your teeth out.
I like the Goodyear compromise R14 tires, but I doubt I'll live long enough to wear out these R1's.