Trying to decide which tires for B3030 or B7800

[bandit67]

Well, as far as I can tell, the R1's are either 6.5" or 6.8" wide, while the R4s are 7.8" wide.

Where'd you find that price/builder setup?

 

[ChuckinNH]

There was a link to the price/options list in another thread in this forum on "L" series configurator. Here is a copy of that link:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/104115-list-prices-m-l-b.html

 

[Steve_Miller]

From what you explained, I say the R1's, unless you know you're going to be running over sharp objects, go with the most traction, especially in the snow unless your going to get chains.

Steve

 

[art]

I don't worry to much about traction when plowing snow as far as needing a deep cleaning cleat. I guess I've always had the good fortune that the systems worked well enough that there was very little snow depth by the time the tractor got to it!
I'd be curious as to your soil type, if it falls apart easily like sand you might like the industrial tires better.

 

[bandit67]

If you're talking to me, the dirt on my property is very sand-like once you dig into it. It compacts very well, especially when a bit damp. It drains quickly.

I've used turfs on a compact in snow in the northeast, and the bar tires on the subcompact in the snow out here. What I'm finding that will be an issue during the course of the winter is some areas of ice build-up under the snow on the drive. We get snow so often, that it's tough to keep the drive clean before driving over it, which creates that hard packed slick snow, then turns to sheer ice.

I do have a friend up here who's got a JD790 with ags, and he complains throughout the winter about traction problems on his blacktop drive, and has been looking into chains for his machine. There are times when he can't get his machine up the drive and has to use the walk-behind snowblower to clear a path to get a running start. He has an FEL/rear blade setup.

So I'm thinking that the tires may not make that big of a difference and that chains may be necessary. If that's the case, I think I'd rather have the industrials up front for the higher load capacity. In general, the front ags for those machines are rated to 715# and the front R4s are rated to 1490#.

 

[WaltB]

bandit67, I agree with your thoughts. The R4 tires are the best choice. R1's have more tractive force though(lbs per square in). Neither works well on ice. Some people have gone to a truck parts store and bought 3 or 4 single strand tire chains. They put 3-4(or more) on each rear tire intead of buying the traditional set of tire chains. This usually is cheaper, esp for R4 tire. This should work well on the 12.4 x 16 R4 tire. If you had to buy a set of chains for the 17.5 x 24 R4's you would pay $330 plus frt. I do recommend that you fill the tires with mag. for additional weight(not calcium). To put the single strand chains on you may have to drill several 1" holes in each rim. This should not be much of a concern. This works well on skid loaders also.

 

[bandit67]

I've pretty much ruled out the R1's because of their load rating.

All of the replacement R1's I found that fit the B3030, B7800, and the new B2920 have a max load rating of 715 lbs. The B3030 weighs in at 1852 lbs dry, figure at least 50% of that weight is on the front tires (though I suspect it's a bit more), which is 926# + loader at 400# (I bet it weighs more, though) comes out to 1326 lbs. Max load rating for the R1's is 1430#. That basically leaves nothing for a bucket full of materials.

The R4's on the other hand, are rated for a combined max load of 2980 lbs, so it looks like I'm going with the Industrial tires, and chains if I need them.

 

[jbrumberg]

bandit67:

Just out of curiousity what were the ply ratings of the R-1's you researched? Jay

 

[bandit67]

They were all 4 ply - couldn't find anything higher in the R1's for that small size.

 

[amigauser]

It sounds like you have received a lot of good input. I own a B3030 cab model and I have the R4's with the rears loaded with Rim Guard. I have been very happy with my tire choice. They are good in the snow unless there is ice, good on the lawn and good in the woods. If you have wet/swampy ground you may want R1's for traction, otherwise the R4's are a good all around tire and great for loader work.

For ice pretty much any tire is worthless and chains would work best. You can also use chains for mud as you indicated.

Norm