Tires traditional ag vs. industrial tread

[TripleR]

Hey, this is great! There's nothing like experience-based opinions. Hi again, TripleR and hello MMagis and LD1: I knew when I started this thread that it might be a mini-Pandora's box - but that's just what I need, and figured that it's what forums are for. (But we're not using live ammo, right?)

I AM concerned about mud load-up. This time of year, I'm involved in firewood processing from (previously cut) trees, messing with the logs, and delivering the result to this big old farmhouse. Some winters, the ground firms up and stays that way - but not this year, so far. (Also, I would have expected the R4s to give the slightly better ride - not that that is a real big concern - but I was considering only the tread cleats, not the sidewalls.) So I guess, JOHNTHOMAS, like it or not, I would be something of a mud user.

Recently found myself lying in the mud under an old Dodge, putting on chains so I could drive the wood load out - again. I've had these conditions before: I get out early for some splitting and get a good load on, and in those few hours, the firm surface thaws, and it's Titanic without the iceberg. Obviously, I won't be happy if I have a mud problem with the tractor, so I take comments by kuboman and RFB quite seriously. (Interesting about the R1W type on the front.)

Thank you for your input. Would be happy to hear more on the subject.

When you add mud into the equation, it definitely tips way toward the R1(Ag). We mucked out a pond with our 5030 with Industrials and M8540 with Ags and while we didn't get the 5030 stuck, the Ags did a LOT better. Interestingly though, we did have to run the 8540 out down the road ever once in a while to clean the tires as we have a lot of clay.

 

[Lefty7]

Nice to hear from you, Bluegill2. Yeah, my original plan was to go with the R4s, but I'm leaning in your R1 direction. As I said, I hate to give up traction, cuz I know at some point, I'm gonna want it back.

Realized that I have another probable use for the unit. I have a small creek bisecting the acreage, and need to clear and manicure it on occasion, to keep it running right and not eroding field edges on both sides. Work also involves accurate placement of small/medium riprap. Getting in and out of creek banks - even low ones - can be dangerous, and good folks are still ex-ing themselves doing it. Several times, I've hired a neighbor/friend to bring his 'bota onto the property, and work with me doing this kind of stuff. That's the first time I saw one work. He could get in and out without a problem. He runs ags.

For this, and the mud issue, I think I may need the R1s. Still considering it...

Hey, if you really like THAT color, you oughta see my '78 Dodge D100 Adventurer longbox: "Sunrise Orange", (a one year only color).

 

[Lefty7]

Thanks, TripleR. I think you guys have helped me pin this down. Great thumbnails included; very helpful.

I also use the 'run-down-the-road-to-clean-the-tires' procedure with various equipment. Kind of a practical farm version of the NHRA burnout. My wife always says I'm "playing". I guess she's right, too. Whatever works!

 

[Bluegill2]

Nice to hear from you, Bluegill2. Yeah, my original plan was to go with the R4s, but I'm leaning in your R1 direction. As I said, I hate to give up traction, cuz I know at some point, I'm gonna want it back.

Realized that I have another probable use for the unit. I have a small creek bisecting the acreage, and need to clear and manicure it on occasion, to keep it running right and not eroding field edges on both sides. Work also involves accurate placement of small/medium riprap. Getting in and out of creek banks - even low ones - can be dangerous, and good folks are still ex-ing themselves doing it. Several times, I've hired a neighbor/friend to bring his 'bota onto the property, and work with me doing this kind of stuff. That's the first time I saw one work. He could get in and out without a problem. He runs ags.

For this, and the mud issue, I think I may need the R1s. Still considering it...

Hey, if you really like THAT color, you oughta see my '78 Dodge D100 Adventurer longbox: "Sunrise Orange", (a one year only color).

Had our L3800 up to the axles in mud the other day, the Ags worked very well and I didn't have to walk back to the house.

Sounds like a nice old truck you have there.

 

[RFB]

These are the R1 pattern with R4 sidewalls; Michellin XM27's

25 mph 20 mph 05 mph PSI
1,710 lbs 1,830 lbs 2,500 lbs 14 psi
1,940 lbs 2,070 lbs 2,790 lbs 17 psi
2,160 lbs 2,330 lbs 3,080 lbs 20 psi
2,390 lbs 2,570 lbs 3,370 lbs 23 psi
2,620 lbs 2,810 lbs 3,660 lbs 26 psi
2,850 lbs 3,050 lbs 3,950 lbs 29 psi
3,080 lbs 3,310 lbs 4,230 lbs 32 psi
3,310 lbs 3,550 lbs 4,530 lbs 35 psi

 

[buck12]

I have industrial tires on my tractor and as others have said they work well until I encounter mud. In mud industrial tires are next to useless.

 

[Lefty7]

Thanks, RFB, for the tire specs. I knew nothing about them, and that's very useful info that I'll copy and keep handy.

Yeah, Bluegill2, that walk back to the house is the worst. (Well, actually, I guess I can imagine something worse, but I wouldn't want to put the thought into print.)

Sunrise is a good old truck, and sees regular good-weather use as a working truck. Got no photos loaded up to show ya - but, then again, it ain't no tractor. I have a bunch of Dodges from that era, including 2 ratty '79 Lil Red Express trucks and all correct OEM parts to make one good one. Another project waiting in the wings. (Only thing is: it will be RED. Sorry, guy.)

Edited this to say HI to Buck12, and thanks for the input. (Your post came in while I was typing.) I'll only be working in mud a certain part of each year, but you good folks here have helped me understand that I'll need the R1s. Nice hearing from ya.