Comparison Tires, R-1 versus R-4

[Boondox]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( After seeing your photo and reading the other's comments, I'm still confused as to what would be the best way to go for my situation. I don't really plan on working in the "muck" like in your photo very often, but I need to drive across my yard and hayfields to get to the places I am working and do not like the greater damage the R1s can cause.

But, the better ability to shed the sticky clay (which we have plenty of around here) is a definite plus for the R1s. Since I cannot justify spending for a second set of tires and rims, I'll try to make my peace with the compromise. I guess any tractor being used for multiple purposes has to compromise somewhere, be it weight, hp, maneueverability or tires.





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The R1 "damage" depends largely on your conditions. I finish mow with my L3010 and have never torn up the lawn. Of course, I don't make hard turns either. My neighbor has had such a tough time with his R4s mounted on his Deere that I went with aggies and never regretted the decision.

Pete

 

[AndyMA]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If most of your work is going to be in mud or wet conditions - use R1's.
If most of your work is going to be in dry dirt - use R4's
If most of your work is going to be on grassy turf - use turf tires.
If most of your work is in dry dirt and hard surfaces, use R4's. )</font>

I've run R1's on all my tractors except for my first small John Deere 750, that had turfs, turfs mow fine, but I even foun them tearing when turning.

My new R1's on my Ford 2120 are 8 ply and cost me $240 each for 14.9 x26

My TN runs 16.9 x 30 R1's. Other than mowing, In my 45+ years of tractoring I find R1's the best all around tire. In all of the conditions listed in the above quoted table where R4's are specified, R1's will work as well. If you are having problems with R1's tearing up while turning, I would bet R4's will as well. You may be able to find an equilavent circumference R1 to what you have now that has a wider footprint.

When I was buying my TN I told my dealer who my dad and I have worked with since 1950, that I wanted R4's. He said try one and I did, and then I tried R1's on an equilavent TN in the fields on his farm. No Contest. R1's win hands down. Also as far as tearing up wet ground, no real difference I could detect. One last thing, 6 or 8 ply R1's are tough tires and I think those of you worried that they are not as tough as R4's, need not worry. Just my experiences.

Andy

 

[slowzuki]

A note on the 6 ply R-1's, that is and equivalent ply rating alot of times and the sidewalls don't have the same rating. Sticks and logging slash go through the sidewalls very easily!

 

[Soundguy]

One more thing I'll add in about turf vs r1.

I've got vintage iron setting on either oem, or vintage rubber r-1's. I've also got Iron that was on vintage turf. Out of the 4 tractors on r-1's.. I've had one flat.. on the 1 turf job.. I've also had one flat. That's 1 out of 8 r-1 tires that died... vs 1 out of 2 turf tires. Add in new equipment, and that would kick in 6 more r1 tires.

For those running tubes.. you can boot the outside of the tube to help it run in casings that are prone to picking up thorns.. helps quite a bit, as well as the higher ply r-1 tires ..

Soundguy