Tires tires
- Thread starter puternerd
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Inspector507
Super Member
puternerd,
First, welcome to TBN.
Now on to your questions. I've used turfs and R-1's in snow, but never R-4's so I may not be able to help too much.
My experience with turfs has been good. I used it in 4WD when I needed to and got good results. The turf tires will probably be the gentlest on the grass of the three.
I do know people use chains, but I don't know if the front or the rear works better. I bought a set of chains at an auction for the rear, but have never used them yet.
Might help to know how much snow you have to move every year.
First, welcome to TBN.
Now on to your questions. I've used turfs and R-1's in snow, but never R-4's so I may not be able to help too much.
My experience with turfs has been good. I used it in 4WD when I needed to and got good results. The turf tires will probably be the gentlest on the grass of the three.
I do know people use chains, but I don't know if the front or the rear works better. I bought a set of chains at an auction for the rear, but have never used them yet.
Might help to know how much snow you have to move every year.
crown
Platinum Member
I have a B-7500 with turfs so I cannot commit on the R4's. I mow and plow snow with turfs and have had no problems, we get some occational big snows 3 feet plus and although I have to keep pace with the snow fall every foot or so I need to plow traction has not been a problem. The turfs will be kinder on your grass, but will be more prone to thorn damage than would R4's if your mowing is in rough areas. You should make your tire choice on a priority basis what will the majority of your seat time be doing if mowing is it then turfs will be the best, just my personal opinion.
Good luck with your new tractor!!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Good luck with your new tractor!!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
AntrimMan
Gold Member
R4's will chew up the grass when cornering at speed and moreso with 4WD engaged. If you need to have 4WD engaged then it's probably not grass cutting time, the ground is too soft for the weight of your tractor.
R4's are as good as turf's on hard dry ground and better in the snow.
Turf's are best IMHO for cuting grass, R4's are a decent compromise between Ag's and turf's.
I don't use chains, others may because of their particular grades and situations.
all the best,
Martin
R4's are as good as turf's on hard dry ground and better in the snow.
Turf's are best IMHO for cuting grass, R4's are a decent compromise between Ag's and turf's.
I don't use chains, others may because of their particular grades and situations.
all the best,
Martin
AntrimMan
Gold Member
and welcome to TBN, silly me, I forgot to say it in the first place. There's more help on here than you can shake a stick at. Everybody means you well.
All the best again,
Martin
All the best again,
Martin
I use R4s and have no problem mowing fields in 2WD or playing in the snow in 4WD. I'm in the hills of NW CT, and we can get 8' drifts up here often and quickly. I need to keep the driveways and roads clear all the time as we board horses and need to be able to move them in an emergency.
My fields dont get abused at all with the R4s unless I'm in 4WD with a heavy load.
I have much more traction with my R4s than I do with my 3/4 ton 4x4 in the snow. I'm sure that chains on turf tires would give about the same traction in snow as R4s, and better traction on ice.
I wouldn't want to drive back in my shop with it's cement floors if I had chains on. Chains are a real pain to install and remove... they're heavy, they're dirty, they never fit the same way twice, and you need someplace out of the way to store them. Wear heavy gloves if you don't like blood-blisters from installing them.
I decided to go with the R4s because I do a lot of heavy work clearing woods and moving boulders, etc..., and the R4s really stand up to a beating. No complaints at all from them.
My fields dont get abused at all with the R4s unless I'm in 4WD with a heavy load.
I have much more traction with my R4s than I do with my 3/4 ton 4x4 in the snow. I'm sure that chains on turf tires would give about the same traction in snow as R4s, and better traction on ice.
I wouldn't want to drive back in my shop with it's cement floors if I had chains on. Chains are a real pain to install and remove... they're heavy, they're dirty, they never fit the same way twice, and you need someplace out of the way to store them. Wear heavy gloves if you don't like blood-blisters from installing them.
I decided to go with the R4s because I do a lot of heavy work clearing woods and moving boulders, etc..., and the R4s really stand up to a beating. No complaints at all from them.
RalphVa
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 7,885
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Tractor
- JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
Turfs on my 4wd JD 4010 worked great plowing snow this last winter.
One other thing that someone mentioned for R1s or R4s is side traction on slopes. Due to their nature, these type have less side traction than turfs.
I suspect that R4s, like R1s, will dig more once they slip. They'll have more traction up to the slip point on most surfaces than turfs.
I've chains (for only 2 wheels, not duals), dual R1s and dual turfs for my Gravely. Have yet to get a flat on the R1s in using them year round this year (cuz I was too lazy to change them out). I've at times cursed myself for being so lazy because the R1s tend to dig and bounce the tractor. Turfs grip probably as good or better than the R1s in dry grass but are less grippy in almost any other conditions and quickly become little mud slicks in mud.
I HATE using the chains. Only time I need to use them is when using the old square chute snow blower. It's so heavy that you need plenty of traction just to push it, and it's skinnier than the duals. So, you have to remove the outer wheels and mount the chains when using it. Darn chain link hung up on my brake backer plate spring and broke a chain link. Don't leave any links flopping around.
My front turfs on my JD tear the grass if you turn too sharply.
Some folks have been known to put metal screws into the outer lugs of their R1s or R4s for extra traction in ice/snow. I did this on the R1s on the Gravely but have yet to use them in icey conditions to really try them out. I'd almost like to have a chance to try them pushing the snow blower but doubt I'll ever use it again with the FEL now on the JD.
Ralph
One other thing that someone mentioned for R1s or R4s is side traction on slopes. Due to their nature, these type have less side traction than turfs.
I suspect that R4s, like R1s, will dig more once they slip. They'll have more traction up to the slip point on most surfaces than turfs.
I've chains (for only 2 wheels, not duals), dual R1s and dual turfs for my Gravely. Have yet to get a flat on the R1s in using them year round this year (cuz I was too lazy to change them out). I've at times cursed myself for being so lazy because the R1s tend to dig and bounce the tractor. Turfs grip probably as good or better than the R1s in dry grass but are less grippy in almost any other conditions and quickly become little mud slicks in mud.
I HATE using the chains. Only time I need to use them is when using the old square chute snow blower. It's so heavy that you need plenty of traction just to push it, and it's skinnier than the duals. So, you have to remove the outer wheels and mount the chains when using it. Darn chain link hung up on my brake backer plate spring and broke a chain link. Don't leave any links flopping around.
My front turfs on my JD tear the grass if you turn too sharply.
Some folks have been known to put metal screws into the outer lugs of their R1s or R4s for extra traction in ice/snow. I did this on the R1s on the Gravely but have yet to use them in icey conditions to really try them out. I'd almost like to have a chance to try them pushing the snow blower but doubt I'll ever use it again with the FEL now on the JD.
Ralph
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
welcome to the forum: now on to you question, the preference of tires has been discussed many times. i personally like and use R4's i move lots of snow and cut grass (not my lawn) and i find the R4's to be just ideal for my use. You must determine what would be best for you.
John_Mc
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2001
- Messages
- 4,560
- Location
- Monkton, Vermont
- Tractor
- NH TC33D Modified with belly pan, limb risers & FOPS. Honda Pioneer 520 & antique Coot UTV
I found the R4's on my TC 33D do a decent job in the snow. THe only time I had problems was if I needed to back up in the snow... particularly if I was backing up a bit of an incline.
I eventually got chains for my rear tires. I have a steep hill on my driveway that gets pretty icy in the winter. The chains were teh only way to get back up the hill. I wanted either ice chains (made by Norse or Valby, I forget which) or duo-grips, due to the greater lateral traction they provide, but they are not available for my tires. I ended up with ladder chains with v-bars.
I just throw sheets of scrap plywood down on the cement floor of my tractor garage in the winter to prevent the chains fromdigging it up.
John Mc
I eventually got chains for my rear tires. I have a steep hill on my driveway that gets pretty icy in the winter. The chains were teh only way to get back up the hill. I wanted either ice chains (made by Norse or Valby, I forget which) or duo-grips, due to the greater lateral traction they provide, but they are not available for my tires. I ended up with ladder chains with v-bars.
I just throw sheets of scrap plywood down on the cement floor of my tractor garage in the winter to prevent the chains fromdigging it up.
John Mc
Jim57
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2005
- Messages
- 1,295
- Location
- South Carolina, Westminster - USA
- Tractor
- Shibaura SD2200 4X4
Welcome to the board Puternerd. I have some what the same question as you. I am looking at a used Kubota L35 and it has R4's on it... They have used it in construction. What I am doing mostly is farm work. If I get this Kubota I might hire out backhoe work and such.
Getting to the question... should I use R4's or R1's?
Now another comment... from what I was told at the JD place today... the R4's last longer than the R1's. Another thing to consider I guess. I think I would rather have R1's but with this L35 I am sure it is heavier than the Shibaura I have... which means more damage to lawn if I drive across it I imagine. Especially with the backhoe and if it is wet.
Again Welcome to one of the best boards on the NET in my opinion. There are many good people here and they are willing to share their wonderful pool of knowledge here and don't make us feel bad about any question asked. You have come to the right place for some really good infomation and you will meet a huge amount of nice people in my opinion. TBN is the BEST!!!
Jim
Getting to the question... should I use R4's or R1's?
Now another comment... from what I was told at the JD place today... the R4's last longer than the R1's. Another thing to consider I guess. I think I would rather have R1's but with this L35 I am sure it is heavier than the Shibaura I have... which means more damage to lawn if I drive across it I imagine. Especially with the backhoe and if it is wet.
Again Welcome to one of the best boards on the NET in my opinion. There are many good people here and they are willing to share their wonderful pool of knowledge here and don't make us feel bad about any question asked. You have come to the right place for some really good infomation and you will meet a huge amount of nice people in my opinion. TBN is the BEST!!!
Jim