Tire size change??? Good, BAD or no big deal?

[Gary Fowler]

The 9.5 width sounds about like the factory size would be in R1 vs R4. The R4 are always wider than AG tires for the flotation effect. Check the specs on new tractors with the different types of tires and you will see how they get narrower as the go from turfs to Industrial to Ag with Ag being the skinniest and the turf being the fattest. You can put super wide Ag tires on your tractor if you have the clearance but you wont have the power to spin them, kinda like putting 14" racing slicks on a Volkswagen, might look good but wont be of any use to you. One reason the tires get narrower and taller is so you can spin them without fear of damage to your transmission or rear end.
YOUR option 3 looks like the perfect choice.

 

[PILOON]

My CUT is 4WD and I have double ladder chains on rears.
Tires are turf type.
While used for snow work, I have run them in muddy situations in early spring.
For shure the traction im mud is much better with chains than without but you can also dig in much faster.
The FEL is really your best friend in mud sinking situations.
At the first sign of slippage stop, don't try spinning your way out.
Gently try differential brakeing and if that fails push youself with co-ordinated bucket pushing.
Ags will simply dig you a hole faster than turfs.IMHO.
If digging starts try placing branches for the wheels to drive onto.
Rarely will spinning get you out.

Been there done that!
(PS a good big come-a-long is often an aid + a helper to crank).