Which would get better traction?

[Builder]

Take 2 4x4 utility tractors-same brand, HP, weight, etc.

One has R-1 Ag tires with on open front differential. The other is the same tractor, but it has R-4 utility tires and a limited slip front differential. Both have a locking rear differential.

Given similar terrain conditions, which one gets better traction?? I think the R-1 tractor, even with open front differential disadvantage, may still get better traction. What say you?

 

[sandman2234]

Hook 'em up!!!


I agree that the ag's would probably get better traction, but it would really depend on the surface that your pulling on. On asphalt, the turf tires would do better, but in mud, the ag's rule.
David from jax

 

[tessiers]

I bought R4's on my new tractor and I have yet to find anywhere that they get better traction then my R1's. The R4's cut up the lawn and spin on a dog turd. I wouldn't give ten cents for them in hind sight. R1's or nothing for me.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I would say that it would be darn close. In general R1s have about 30% deeper tread than an R4. So if you were to say that each R4 tire had a rating of 100 and each R1 had a rating of 130, then you end up with the R4s giving you a total of 400 and the R1s with a total of 390. So in my example, not only do you have a higher rating with the R4s, but you have all of your weight pulling where as with the R1s, you have 3 tires pulling and less than all the weight working for you. This is only an example and of course there are many different types of R1 & R4 tires. As I think you already know, R4s are usually thought to be of tougher material and will wear longer and carry a heaver load, but this is only an (in general thought). There are tough R1s out there, you just have to pay bigger $$$$ for them.

 

[mark4Jesus]

I had a Kubota B2150 with a 24hp engine, FWD with R1's. I now have a MF 1433v with a 33hp engine, also much heavier, FWD with R4's. I bush hog, plow, run a disc, etc. All in the grass/dirt. The R4's on my MF have spun when the Kubota R1's would have still be moving the tractor in similar conditions. It surprised me when it first happened. I would much rather have R1's, but the tractor was used when I bought it and that is what it had. Too expensive to swap now.

 

[GaryCrowell]

The one with R1's would get better traction. The open differential isn't that much of a disadvantage, not nearly as much as the R4's.

 

[Chuck K.]

The one with R1's would get better traction. The open differential isn't that much of a disadvantage, not nearly as much as the R4's.

Im not real sure of that... IMHO the surface would play the biggest role. IF open diffs on tractors work the same as 4x4s (PU/jeeps etc) do the power is applied to the front wheel with the least amount of traction. With that in mind I believe the tractor pulling at all 4 wheels instead of 3 would most likley have the advantage unless the surface was real muddy..

 

[Chuck K.]

I wish the pictures off cheesey cell phone camera had came out better of my tractor against my buddies highly modified jeep

After a bit of trash talking my buddy insisted his jeep would out pull my tractor, him having lockers front and back gave him a bit of advantage. So to level the playing field I picked up a full bucket of sand with the FEL. We hooked the strap up and I drug him around the sand covered hard gumbo field like a play toy

After listening to him complain about the sand I politely dump the sand and hooked back up to him... To my amazement it was a draw, He was spinning all 4 13.50" x 37" Baja Claws wildley I was in double low barely spining 3 tires, and yes I do have the dreaded R4's...

Heres some pics of the jeep and where not to hook the strap to...

 

[daTeacha]

An LSD in the front is only to be helpful if there is differences in the tractive surface beneath the front tires. If you bias the course so there is ice on one side and pavement on the other, the LSD equipped machine will win. Otherwise, on anything resembling normal dirt, I would think the R1s will whup on the R4s.

Builder, in the construction field, those R4s you like are ideal. Half the time, you need the floatation and the other half you need the toughness. For guys like me who don't use the tractor to make a living, having the option to leave the tractor in the barn when the conditions are such that I'll tear things up or something means R1s are the best bet.

 

[wolc123]

If you removed the front driveshaft from the one with the R1's, then they would each develope about the same traction. R4's are not designed for traction by any stretch of the imagination. They are designed for industrial uses on hard ground or pavement. Off of that they are much closer to turf tires in traction ability. If you want the most traction out of your 4wd tractor, then R1's are the only way to go. R4's will give you little if any traction advantage over a 2wd with R1's except for front loader use. A 4wd will out work a 2wd on a front loader no matter what the tires.