What tires should you get on a new Tractor, R1, R4, or Turf?

[Number15]

How about turf's and R1? All conditions covered LOL

 

[FERLING]

 

[Johnb0311]

I love the Turf tires on my JD 790, but it seems they tend to pick up any nail or sharp object and puncture constantly. Thus when I got my L3301 I was ok to see R1 tires, but after almost tipping over just hitting bumps on the road, I am looking at the R4. What should you look for in a new tractor to start with or does it matter.

I guess it depends on what your main use is going to be or if you have multiple machines. I like the R-14's on my Kioti, but the ag tires on the JD grip better in soft mushy field. And turf tires on the lawn machine are best unless you want to see tracks all over a finished lawn. I don't believe there is on for all tire, But like I said the R-14's seem to be a pretty good all round tire most times. For me at least, different situations and other factors may influence you. But then what the heck do I know , I only been around the farm and tractors past 70 years.

 

[tradosaurus]

I love the Turf tires on my JD 790, but it seems they tend to pick up any nail or sharp object and puncture constantly. Thus when I got my L3301 I was ok to see R1 tires, but after almost tipping over just hitting bumps on the road, I am looking at the R4. What should you look for in a new tractor to start with or does it matter.

I had a L3301 with R1's for 2 years and never felt I was going to tip the tractor over. Were your rear tire's filled?

 

[Reddogs]

I had a L3301 with R1's for 2 years and never felt I was going to tip the tractor over. Were your rear tire's filled?

Well, I guess our backroads need paving, anyway I was going to fill them but looking too see if changing them for something like the R4 or even the R14 will fix the issue.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Which tire would tear up fine turf on athletic fields more? R4 or R14?

I'm considering a new Kubota Grand L6060 and the dealer has one with R4 and one with R14. I'm thinking the R4 would be better on athletic fields and golf courses. We don't get snow here, so that is not a concern of mine.

I currently have a L6060 with turf tires, and I have a L5740 with R4's. Of course I use the one with turf tires more often on athletic fields, but there aren't many tractors available at all today, much less with turf tires. So when this dealer mentioned he had R4 or R14's, I started researching the R14 and came to this thread.

 

[oosik]

I'm just glad I've got 80 acres of open range land. Tire scuff with my RimGard loaded rear R-1's is really no concern. And, no - I do not go out in the early spring when the ground is soft. My Kubota M6040 at 10,000+ pounds WILL leave ruts.

 

[pokey1416]

I have R-4’s on mine but I would have opted for R-14’s if they would have been available. Turns out I would have possibly made a mistake. I spend a lot of time on construction sites, and I grooved my R-4’s for snow work. The R-4’s are tough IMO. I can’t comment on turf experience but, I would think the R-14’s might be the better choice.

 

[John_Mc]

I have R-4’s on mine but I would have opted for R-14’s if they would have been available. Turns out I would have possibly made a mistake. I spend a lot of time on construction sites, and I grooved my R-4’s for snow work. The R-4’s are tough IMO. I can’t comment on turf experience but, I would think the R-14’s might be the better choice.

I'm curious what it is about R14 tires that you think might have been a mistake for your use. Have you had experience with R14 tires and found them to be a problem?

I'm not arguing or trying to convince you otherwise; I'm genuinely curious. It won't be long before I have to replace the R4 tires on my tractor. R14 are one of the options I'm considering.

 

[pokey1416]

I ended up spending a lot more time at heavy construction sites and the industrial R-4 has held up exceptionally well in concrete demo sites and road building. I haven’t read enough reviews of using the R-14’s for construction activities. I originally wanted them because of the advertised improved traction in snow - but grooving the R-4’s has solved my traction issues.

The R-4’s have been great on my lawn too, although I hear the R-14 is better. I road everywhere and the R-4’s are rough riders at road speed - another plus for R-14’s I hear. When I’m ready for tires I’ll look at my needs and if I’m mostly out of the heavy demo sites I’ll consider the R-14’s.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I'm surprised that some feel the R14 would be less aggressive on fine turf than the R4. Looking at them, I wouldn't think that would be the case. They seem to be described as a hybrid between an R1 and R4, and I would think the R3 (turf tire) would be the least aggressive on the fine turf.

So, my thinking at this point is that in order of least to worst aggressive (damaging) on fine turf would be:

R3 (turf) least damaging
R4
R14
R1 most damaging

I know there are many variables to all of this, but generally it seems this would be the order of things.

 

[RalphVa]

R14Ts, which is what I have now on the new B2601. If the fronts continue to give no problems like the last 2 JDs with R4s, they are the ones. Got better grip than R4s.

Had LOTS of troubles with front turfs on the first JD. Turfs damage on turns more than R4s because the R4s have little side grip.

 

[therrien]

I'm surprised that some feel the R14 would be less aggressive on fine turf than the R4. Looking at them, I wouldn't think that would be the case. They seem to be described as a hybrid between an R1 and R4, and I would think the R3 (turf tire) would be the least aggressive on the fine turf.

So, my thinking at this point is that in order of least to worst aggressive (damaging) on fine turf would be:

R3 (turf) least damaging
R4
R14
R1 most damaging

I know there are many variables to all of this, but generally it seems this would be the order of things.

I agree.
This comparison is not exactly apples / apples but I went from a Kubota B1700 with R4's NOT loaded to an LX1026 with R14's loaded. For a short time the LX1026 tires were not loaded (3days). In those few days I found the LX1026 to leave more turf damage than the B1700 had with the R4's. Now the LX1026 is a little heavier than the B1700 but not by much. The loaded R14's in the snow are heads and tails better than R4's due to the tread mostly but the Beet Juice helps. The number of ply's are the same as my previous R4's so I am happy with my selection. i just have to be more gentle over the lawn.