Update on new M7060 with R14 tires

[blaylockvol]

Got 55 hrs on tractor, after changing oil and filter at recommended 50 hr change, I decided to give my initial thoughts on tractor and tires. First the tires, love em, plenty of traction even in mud, I bought a hd one shank subsoiler and I mean heavy duty and no problem with slippage. The tires leave very little marks when I use my 8 ft grooming mower. I got a 7 ft woods bx840x rated for up to 120 hp tractor and cuts up to 3 in stuff and it is heavy. I mowed one area where the right side of tractor slid into a small ditch and the tires started to spin even with the mower raised it still touched the ground. I hit reverse and backed out without spinning the tires, that痴 when I knew those tires where for me. One other thing, I live 7 miles from town and needed to take it church to work on the back lot, instead of loading it on my trailer, I decided to drive it. The ride was smooth and quiet and fast. 5th and 6th gears are very fast. Love the tractor and would definitely buy again. The only negatives, and they are minor, the pto switch on the fender is located in a bad place. My right alarm accidently hits and cuts it off. The other thing is the pto shield has to come off when use my box blade because the top link comes into contac with it. But as I already said, I am overall very pleased with my purchase. Bill

 

[RalphVa]

How's the side grip? R4s slide like mad in turning or on a hill sideways. R3s had much better side grip.

Ralph

 

[Electricbroom]

I had that same issue while using rotary cutter, 4 wheel drive was the answer...did not use any other tire because I mow lawn also and r1 really hard on turf. One thing about Kubota 4 wheel drive, its AWESOME.

 

[blaylockvol]

I normally drive in 2wd in mowing,whether it’s grooming or bushhoging unless the slope is steep and believe me, I have some steep slopes. The R14 actually have little side slippage, i think the center rib prevents it. The M4700 I traded in with the R1 had much more side slippage on slopes than the R14. Bill

 

[blaylockvol]

One other thing, I predict as Kubota starts selling more R14 tires on 50 hp and above, more and more folks will stop considering the R4 tires. If you use your loader much, the R14t is much better than the R1 and has much better traction than the R4. I think that. Kubota and Goodyear hit on a winning combination with the R14 with its combination of traction R1, light foot print R3, durability loader work R4. Bill

 

[Electricbroom]

Messicks has a you tube video in which he compares r1, r4, r14. Interesting video worth a watch.

 

[muskieken]

Messicks has a you tube video in which he compares r1, r4, r14. Interesting video worth a watch.

this is it.
Tested | Surprising traction differences between R4 \\ R14 \\ Bar-Turf - YouTube

 

[WoodDuck]

I wish R14's were an option when I purchased my Kioti. I really likes the looks of them, and i can see where they'd have advantages over the R4's in my application. If I ever get enough wear on these R4's to justify new tires some day, that's probably what I'll try.

 

[jeff9366]

I mow considerable Florida jungle with a 1,000 pound Land Pride Rotary Cutter. I also push up burning brush over hot ashes in a community burn pit at least once a week.

R14s are four ply construction, like turf tires. R4/industrial tires are at least six ply, hence significantly tougher, if less flexible.

Each of us have to evaluate tractor tires relative to our conditions and applications.

 

[blaylockvol]

Jeff9366, I agree completely with your last statement. Each tractor owner must decide what best fits his intended use but for someone who has many uses and does not have time or resources for more than one type of tire, the R14 could be a good alternative