990 - R1 or R4?

[ArkCivEngr]

A co-worker mentioned to me the other day that he had industrial tires on his previous tractor, and that he slipped quite a bit when trying to push material with the loader. He now has ag tread on his new tractor, and is more pleased with it.

My uses in which tire types will come into play will be light/medium duty logging, angle blading of a driveway, and grading with a box blade. I will not be mowing with it, and don't intend to get into my house yard area with it very often, so I'm leaning towards the R1 tires for added traction--as well as reduced cost.

If anyone has thoughts/experiences on tire types, I'm all ears. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Whiskey]

Arkcivengr:

My humble opion is R1's for what you say your useing it for.
<font color="blue">grading with a box blade </font> I would say work well with R4's but for over all <font color="blue">light/medium duty logging, angle blading of a driveway </font> R1's with the rears loaded for traction is your best bet.

Whiskey

 

[Keith_B]

I'd go with the R1s as they are aggressive at digging in and giving you needed traction.

 

[creeper]

If traction is your 1st priority I would go with R-1's

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I ordered my tractor with R4s. It came in with R1s. When I commented on this to the dealer, he said to go try th Ags and if I still wanted R4s to give him a call and consider it done.

I am very pleased with the traction. I did not reralize that the R4s were not as adjustable as the R1s. Mine are set wide, which really helps in the woods.

Usually the big reason for R4s is the 6 ply rating in the rears vs 4 with R1s. But you can also get 6 ply R1s or go foam filled. (Either option adds copst, which you already mentioned is a concern)

Hold the presses! I just looked up the 990 options. There are three choices.

8.00-16 6PR Front R1 Ag.-2 Pos. Bias
14.9-24 4PR Rear R1 Ag.-2 Pos. Bias............In Base Price


10-16.5 6PR Front R4 Ind.-2 Pos. Bias
17.5L-24 8PR Rear R4 Ind.-8 Pos. Bias..........$431.00

27x10.5-15 4PR Front R3 Turf-2 Pos. Bias
44x18.00-20 4PR Rear R3 Turf-2 Pos. Bias.....$190.00

So note that the R!s front tire is 6 ply rated which really helps stand up to loader work.

BUT, I would really check out the number of positions for mounting the tires. 8 positions on the R4s is just as strange as 2 on the R1s. What gives...?

So not to worry, I went and read the 990 Manual. (after all, you ARE my neighbor - in a Hatfield/McCoy kinda way... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Now I know... Nothing. NADA. ZIP. It aint in there at all.

Maybe you should buy my 4310.

Just kidding.

Well, I would sure talk to yer dealer. I started to say ask 990 owners, but this is the kinda thing that gets running changes. Last week they had 8 poisition Ags - this week it is 2 position. Product enhancement...

Clear as mud?

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have ag tires on my Cub Cadet and they are great. I drive on my lawn from time to time and they don't hurt it as long as you don't turn too sharply or drive on it when it is wet. I use my Cub for logging and the traction is superb. I think the R4's are a little broad-shouldered and hold you up more. Just my opinion.

 

[dsgsr]

R1's are best for the jobs you mention (traction) and they also give more ground Clarence than the R4's, but if you are going to be working in the woods make sure to get the 6 ply not the 4. You can puncture the 4's pretty easy in the woods.

David

 

[johnbilt]

I have the R4 industrials on my 990. They probably have less traction than the R1's, but are easier on the lawn when moving dirt, rock, etc...No Problems.

John

 

[tpike35]

This is my 2nd tractor the first had R1s on it this one has R4s and as for me I'll never buy another tractor with R4s tires /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif They spin too eazy and are just about unless in the mud They can't compare to the R1s all around uses... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif .. But I use my tractor for a tractor not a lawn mower /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bellville]

I had rented a tractor (with R 4's) previous to buying my 790, which I got with R1's based on the dealers advice. It is amazing how much more traction there is. Like others have mentioned here I don't use my tractor to cut grass, so I don't have to worry about tearing up the lawn and the like.

If your primary uses are as you mentioned go with the R1's, and good luck with your new tractor!