Tire Advice Needed--Compact Tractor

MeBuyIt · Mar 4, 2013

Hi,
I plan on buying a used 4WD, gear or hydro, approximately 30 HP, compact
tractor in the very near future. I've sort of narrowed it down to New Holland, John Deere
or Kubota. I will be using it as a brush hog (20 acres, 1x/year), some light FEL work,
a little roto-tilling and finally backup snow mover--no lawn care. (Note: I have a 4WD
pickup with snow plow).
My concern is in the tires. Based on the above, which one is best for my
application, i.e., R1(Ag), R3(Turf), or R4(Ind)? I plan on chains for the winter.
I have located several used tractors already, but Turf tires have turned me
off (Note: I have a JD riding lawn mower, and its spins on wet grass), and it doesn't
look like chains fit R4's very well. As you can see, I'm leaning towards the R1's, but
am I missing something? Can anyone steer me in the right direction?
Any help or information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Bud Soda · Mar 4, 2013

I pulled the r4 tires and replaced them with r1 on my 27 hp montana. Got tired of getting stuck with the r4 tires.

rayclar · Mar 4, 2013

I have turfs and am switching to R1 tires this week.

jeff9366 · Mar 4, 2013

If you are considering a tractor/loader, meaning a tractor with an FEL, you will want R4 industrial tires, which are wider, to support loads in the bucket. Four wheel drive is also essential so you have the traction to drive the FEL bucket into a dirt pile. While R1s definitely provide more traction, R4s are less likely to puncture. I would hate to experience a puncture in the rear tire of a tractor.

I have a Kubota B3300SU = 33-hp / 1,900 pounds / FEL / 4-WD. Kubota sells this as a package. If you find a B3300SU used it would be a good choice because everything necessary is in the package. Most are sold with R4s.

milkman636 · Mar 4, 2013

I have been shopping for R1s to replace the R4s on my CT335. The tires are the only thing I would do differently if I were buying again today. Two years ago when I bought the tractor I had very limited experience with R4s. They work well on 16000 lb. backhoes, but rear traction especially is lacking on my 4000 lb. tractor. If you plan on using anywhere slippery, loose, or soft my recommendation is R1.