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

[Reddogs]

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.

 

[TractorTYMe]

R14's maybe?

 

[sea2summit]

What do you mean by you almost tipped over by hitting a bump with R1s? I'm genuinely curious what happened.

Really need more info on what you're doing with the tractor. My own general rule of thumb is if most of the work is done in front of the back wheels (loader, grapple, etc) then R4s, if it's behind the back wheels R1s (mowing, ground engaging, skidding, etc). I haven't had any experience with the R14s yet but am curious about them and will likely consider them when I wear out a set of R4s.

 

[jyoutz]

R4 is the most puncture resistant and has the thickest sidewalls. They are the best for construction and heavy loader work. But R1s are better for traction in mud and snow. R1s rut the ground more than R4s and are easier to roll off the wheel when heavy lifting with the loader. There is no ideal tire. Most of us have R4s because of the durability and deal with the traction issues with chains or other ways.

 

[Reddogs]

R14's maybe?

Never seen a new tractor with those, can you get them from the factory with a new tractor, or have to order after..

 

[LouNY]

As I've said on other threads I have no use for R4's mainly because of their lack of grip on wet sod and lack of side hill stability.
I am strictly for R1's though I would be tempted by the newer R14's. So to me It's R1's or turfs no use for R4's what so ever.
Also I've never rolled an R1 off using a FEL, I have rolled them off with slow leaks and flats.

 

[Reddogs]

What do you mean by you almost tipped over by hitting a bump with R1s? I'm genuinely curious what happened.

Really need more info on what you're doing with the tractor. My own general rule of thumb is if most of the work is done in front of the back wheels (loader, grapple, etc) then R4s, if it's behind the back wheels R1s (mowing, ground engaging, skidding, etc). I haven't had any experience with the R14s yet but am curious about them and will likely consider them when I wear out a set of R4s.

Well, have to drive to different lots we own, and its agricultural so much is unpaved dirt, gravel, tile, asphalt millings, crushed rocks, you name it. So the rain can wash parts away or create deep potholes or deep dips, so it can be huge hole that you fall in then hit the bump on the other side. Thats the best way I can explain it..

 

[5030]

All depends on application I guess. Lou and I both farm so R1 is the logical choice. Me I prefer radials but the lug pattern is what is important.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Never seen a new tractor with those, can you get them from the factory with a new tractor, or have to order after..

They come standard on many new tractors, and you can order them if your current tractor needs new skins.

 

[Reddogs]

They come standard on many new tractors, and you can order them if your current tractor needs new skins.
View attachment 732212

Well I guess most of our dealers tend to have certain tires on the new tractors as you never see them with R14 even on the photos..

 

[5030]

On new tractors, the tires are mounted prior to shipment so you can spec what you want so long as the manufacturer offers them, Dealers never mount tires on new units, they come mounted from the factory.

My dealer don't even fool with tires at all. He' like me, uses a farm tire retailer with the proper equipment. around here it's Miller Tire or Speck Tire. I use them both.

I believe Miller is a paid advertiser on this site as well.

 

[sea2summit]

Well, have to drive to different lots we own, and its agricultural so much is unpaved dirt, gravel, tile, asphalt millings, crushed rocks, you name it. So the rain can wash parts away or create deep potholes or deep dips, so it can be huge hole that you fall in then hit the bump on the other side. Thats the best way I can explain it..

So just unsafe speed? If it was the L3301 that's a fairly small tractor with small wheels, it's not going to like uneven terrain at all.

 

[5030]

When I'm roading between fields on dirt roads, I'm usually running at rated rpm in high gear or 22 mph. Fast enough to get there but slow enough to be nosey too.

 

[GeneV]

I got R4's and personally I think they're the cat's meow. They don't load up with dirt and mud like turfs, they actually tear my grass up LESS then the turfs mounted on my zero-turn, and I will go on record to say that those who ***** about them in snow DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE 4WD AND LOCKING DIFF!

 

[5030]

I'm happy for ya... In as much as I rarely drive mine on grass means little to me. Mine aren't lawnmowers anyway. Bit too big for that.

 

[pokey1416]

I’m ok with the R4’s they sure are tough and easy on the lawn. Ride pretty rough when roading especially when it’s cold outside. I’d consider R14’s I think there’s some YT videos on the comparison.

 

[jyoutz]

They come standard on many new tractors, and you can order them if your current tractor needs new skins.
View attachment 732212

I really wanted those when I was buying my tractor. My dealer said they were for lighter duty uses than R4s.

 

[Hay Dude]

R1’s all the way
Get the wider R-1’s if they offer them.
You’ll get more flotation, less ruts than pizza cutters

 

[3gunr]

I got R4's and personally I think they're the cat's meow. They don't load up with dirt and mud like turfs, they actually tear my grass up LESS then the turfs mounted on my zero-turn, and I will go on record to say that those who ***** about them in snow DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE 4WD AND LOCKING DIFF!

I agree , Just plowed a mile of gravel rd and 4 long driveways covered in 10 inches of snow and ice , Loaded r4s . No chains and no problem with traction.

 

[DK35vince]

I got R4's and personally I think they're the cat's meow. They don't load up with dirt and mud like turfs, they actually tear my grass up LESS then the turfs mounted on my zero-turn, and I will go on record to say that those who ***** about them in snow DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE 4WD AND LOCKING DIFF!

I'll go on record saying my R4's suck in snow. No lateral traction in snow/ice
Our parking area is on a slope, get a layer of packed down snow/ice and the tractor just slides sideways down the hill.
Can barely back up without sideways sliding down the hill, let alone trying to push a 9' snowplow