Tires traditional ag vs. industrial tread

[Lefty7]

Have been kicking around the choice of tire tread for a compact 4WD, (yet to be bought).

I have large equipment on the property all the time. Under certain conditions, the conventional agricultural tire ribs can really imprint or rip up the ground surface. Doesn't matter much around the hay fields, but it can be a problem on lawn or turf areas near the house. In that case, it can compromise walking or even mowing.

I HATE giving up any traction, but am considering pros and cons of the industrial tread: more ribs and edges, not as deep. The tractor may not spend too much time yanking on open soil - but some. Wonder how the industrials would work - and WEAR - subjected to regular tilling and some small-scale plow/disc use.

Obviously, I'm trolling for opinions, and would appreciate your comments.

 

[greenrider1]

I've had tractors with both R1's and R4's. I prefer the R4's for the majority of my work. Unless you use the tractor in wet mud or clay conditions, the R4's have good traction. They do tend to load up if you get in the wet stuff. If you do much loader work, the R4's are more stable and will hold more weight due to the stiffer side walls. They do wear better and seem more cut and punture resistant than the R1's. They also don't sink in as bad on wet ground, and they don't damage turf nearly as bad as R1's. I mowed my lawn with my L3710 (now sold) with R4's, and I plan on doing the same with my new L5740. If you are going to use the tractor for mainly field work, the R1's probably would be better. The R1's also seem to ride a little better, probably due to the slightly taller diameter and less stiff side walls. There are trade-offs for each, and you will probably get different opinions on which way to go. For what it's worth, probably 75% of the sub compacts are sold with R4's. The larger M series all I ever see are R1's.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've had tractors with both R1's and R4's. I prefer the R4's for the majority of my work. Unless you use the tractor in wet mud or clay conditions, the R4's have good traction. They do tend to load up if you get in the wet stuff. If you do much loader work, the R4's are more stable and will hold more weight due to the stiffer side walls. They do wear better and seem more cut and punture resistant than the R1's. They also don't sink in as bad on wet ground, and they don't damage turf nearly as bad as R1's. I mowed my lawn with my L3710 (now sold) with R4's, and I plan on doing the same with my new L5740. If you are going to use the tractor for mainly field work, the R1's probably would be better. The R1's also seem to ride a little better, probably due to the slightly taller diameter and less stiff side walls. There are trade-offs for each, and you will probably get different opinions on which way to go. For what it's worth, probably 75% of the sub compacts are sold with R4's. The larger M series all I ever see are R1's.

This pretty well says it all.
I've had several with Turfs and R4s and currently have my first set of R1s. The R4s or Industrials are the best all around in my opinion but I'm not a mud user.

 

[kuboman]

I am in the process of switching my R4's for R1's. No doubt the r4 are tougher and last longer and don't tear up the turf but if you have soft dirt or snow like me the r4's are next to useless.

 

[RFB]

Kuboman iterated my experience as well.

Snow, slush, (ice is always chains regardless of type), mud, soft soil.

Tried R4's mediocre at best; R1's much better for the above duties.

I did choose a Michelin R1W type for the fronts...it gives R4 sidewall load ratings (for FEL work) with R1 traction.

 

[MMagis]

If you do a search you’ll find a weeks worth of reading on the subject. Everyone seems to have their favorite for their usage.

 

[TripleR]

What MMagis, said Greenrider1 pretty well summed up what I would say and we have tractors with both.

The guys that farm our land use 7000 and 8000 Series John Deere tractors, but their JD CUT 4610 has Industrials.

 

[LD1]

If you do a search you値l find a weeks worth of reading on the subject. Everyone seems to have their favorite for their usage.

x3:thumbsup:

 

[Lefty7]

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'm no stranger to the tire/traction study, and have been pushing snow around with various 4X4 trucks for 35 years. (Did it professionally for 15 years; now, just keep the farm open and help out some of the neighbors when they need it.) But all of those tire/chain selections were for light trucks. The 4X4 tractor may have some similarities, but is a different beast. Although the trucks served me well, regardless of how they were equipped, a truck ain't no tractor, (as I've said to myself 3000 times).

Hello, Greenrider1. I'm a little to your southwest, and lived in your fair town for awhile years ago. Congrats on having a new L5740; nice. 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.

 

[Bluegill2]

Ags (R-1) work best for me. I need all the traction I can get. :thumbsup:

 

[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.