Buying Advice Turf tires or R4 tires on B2320

[Merrillgna]

I'm looking at buying a B2320 and was wondering about which tires to get. I will use it mostly for mowing with the occasional bush hog'n, firewood, and snow removal in the winter. The big question is, do the R4's tear up the grass much when turning under normal mowing conditions (speed, steering full lock)? I've only had turf tires on mowers never anything aggressive. What's your thoughts? Thanks

 

[GPintheMitten]

People use either and have their preferences. Here's mine.

I would prefer turfs for mowing lawn, and snow removal. I've used both. My current tractor is R4 because that's what it came with (bought it used). But the turfs can quickly fill with mud if you're in it.

When the ground is soft and wet like in the spring, the turfs will be better. But bottom line, you can use either. I just mowed with my B2620 with R4's and no problem tearing up the grass. The ground is dry.

I'm sure you'll get a lot of opinions both ways. Let the debate begin!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

People use either and have their preferences. Here's mine.

I would prefer turfs for mowing lawn, and snow removal. I've used both. My current tractor is R4 because that's what it came with (bought it used). But the turfs can quickly fill with mud if you're in it.

When the ground is soft and wet like in the spring, the turfs will be better. But bottom line, you can use either. I just mowed with my B2620 with R4's and no problem tearing up the grass. The ground is dry.

I'm sure you'll get a lot of opinions both ways. Let the debate begin!

I agree. I've had many R/I4s. turfs and even a set of R1 Ags. Just my opinion considering my use on 15 different Kubotas.:2cents: I prefer R/I4s if I'm doing FEL work and much off yard work due to more puncture resistant and stronger sidewalls for the load lifting. Mowing, turfs.

 

[k0ua]

If mowing and snow removal are your prime jobs.. then Turfs. If FEL work is you main job (it is for me) Then R4 Industrial's. Turfs are easier on your lawn, not that R4 is bad, but you will be able to go out on the lawn with turfs when it is wetter without damage than R4's. As noted R4's are a stronger tire, and will handle heavy loads better. Also turfs are better in snow than R4's as they collect more snow in their many more tread recesses, and it is this snow on snow that gives them better traction in snowy conditions.

James K0UA

 

[kcender]

I find that my B2620 will tear up the turf even with turf tires so R4's would definitely not be my choice for mowing.The main problem area is when making turns,especially at full lock.I tried lowering tire pressures and it helped a bit.I got so frustrated with it that I just recently bought a GR2120 to do my mowing,the 2620 will be used for snow clearing and occasional FEL work so the turf tires are still my choice.Many people mow with the B series tractors but it is not for me.

 

[RoMad]

I had turf tires on my ck 20 and never had a problem with the lawn. My L2900 came with R 4's on the front and turfs on the rear. If I leave it in 4WD the R4's leave tracks in the lawn when you turn sharp. Out of 4WD they don't so much. Since I use the loader quite a bit it is usually in 4WD, so when I cross the lawn and see my tracks it reminds me to take it out.
If / when I change the front tires I will definately go back with turfs.

 

[GPintheMitten]

X2 on mowing in 2 wheel drive rather than 4wd if you have R4s. The only exception for me is in the early spring when the ground is quite wet and you need to avoid spinning the rears -- too much rear spinning and it will dig a hole with R4s. Best to stay off it when it is that wet, but this last spring, the grass was quite high and the ground here was pretty soft in some areas.

I agree that R4's are tougher and better for work in the woods and most FEL work.

Best of luck! Life is full of comprises!

 

[Merrillgna]

Thanks for the responses guys!

 

[Finnster]

Here is my review thread for my B2620.

I discussed tires and mowing a bit. I have loaded R4s for a residential property.

Open areas w/ R4s
View attachment 325142

Making turns in some soft and squishy areas with poor drainage.
View attachment 325141

Basically if you use the B2620/R4s, I've found I needed to change my mowing style vs a little garden tractor. Making sharp turns and doing tight circles around trees will leave marks. I've changed my style to try and avoid sharp turns, either by widening the turn, doing K-turns or making multiple swipes around the trees rather than one circle. Its not a huge change for me on my mostly open yard (on clay soil), but may for you.

Does this mean turfs would be that much better? IDK.

What I do see is that the front wheels are set for quite a bit of positive camber. Basically the angle of the tires look like this look like this from the front. \*/
What that means is that they tires tend to ride on the outside edge of the tire. As you turn the wheels, this becomes exaggerated. The purpose of doing this is do decrease the turning circle, but the tractor rides heavy on the edges. The R4s have big sharp lugs and will like to cut in if you are careless. Note the geometry is what it is regardless of speed. However, obviously going fast puts more pressure on the tires, and 4wd def chews turf up.

The turfs are softer and have a more rounded edge, so *should* be better, but how much I can't say.

If anything I wish I had a set of front turfs to test. R4s are fine for the rear. So basically comes down to compromise and what is most acceptable to you.
If a pristine lawn is most important on a 90% mower, go turfs. If durability and strength in a mixed use tractor, go R4s. In between?

 

[RalphVa]

I had R3s on my 4010. Now have R4s on my 1025. The R4s have A LOT LESS turning power. They literally skid a lot when turning. My R3s did not do this. Because they gripped when turning, they tended to tear up turf more than the R4s. Now the R3 fronts on the 4010 gave me a bit of trouble keeping air in them. Went to tubes and finally had to replace them at around 550 hours. Haven't had the 1025 long enough to know how these R4s will be in that regard.