AG (R1) versus Industrial (R4)

Doc_Bob · Mar 20, 2006

With my limited tractor time, this is the place to ask a question. I will not be using the NH TC40DA on turf. The tractor will be used on dirt only. The area is very soft and can be very wet. Will AG tires make a difference versus Industrial (R4)? I will be using the FEL on a gravel road to keep it plowed in the winter. Box scraper to keep the gravel road in good condition during the summer. Tiller work and back hoe.

Looks like the AG has more of a bite and the R4 look "kinder" to the ground, less damage.

Thanks for your advice. I want to make an informed decision on the tires. Don’t want 4WD and then limit the tractor because of a poor tire choice.
Bob

jbrumberg · Mar 20, 2006

Doc_Bob: From the description of your situation and intended use I would go with liquid filled R1's. I have always used R1's weighted and unweighted. My dealer gave me the impression that liquid filled R4's with chains give the approximate traction of liquid filled R1's. I had R1's and chains on my Ford 1100- chains can be a nuisance. There is a pretty informative thread about liquid filled tires here on TBN. Jay

jbrumberg · Mar 20, 2006

Doc_Bob: Pardon my poor manners, but welcome to TBN. There is a wealth of information as well as opinions about tractors, their use, abuse, and most important- the attachments you can accumulate. With attachment acquisition in mind have you considered a landscape rake, a rear blade, and/or one of those combination rake/blades for gravel road maintenance. There are several threads as to rakes, blades, and their use. There are many individuals here that are willing to help you spend your money. Jay

PineRidge · Mar 20, 2006

Doc welcome to the TBN site.

R4s are a go between when you don't want to tear up the turf. In most situations they work great however when you get into mud they quickly load up and become worthless.

If you aren't worrying about turf damage then I would recommend going to the AG tires.

jinman · Mar 20, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( In most situations they work great however when you get into mud they quickly load up and become worthless. )</font>

I agree with you Mike, but I also know that R4s normally have more float. Unless you have very wide R1s, the cleats will dig like a ditchdigger and dig trenches. The R4s seem to provide a little more float and are more prone to sit on top of the mud and spin rather than bury up. Also, the sidewalls on R4s are really tough. Recently when I was filling my tires I let all the air out of the rears and you could hardly tell. Of course, I wasn't driving, but I was really impressed with the R4s' sidewall strength. I don't think R1s are that strong.

Perhaps wide R1s might be the best all-around tires. I know I'd love to have a set, but I just can't justify the cost with the type of work I do. I think mikim and kensfarm both have R1s on their tractors and can probably tell us what they think if they see this thread.

IH3444 · Mar 20, 2006

Agree with Jinman, the R4s I have on my TC48DA are 8 ply, both front and back. I am experienced enough now not to go where I know I will get stuck. That's what 4 wheel assist is for now. Ags I believe are 4 ply. Check yours to be sure. Hard to beat the Ags for grip, but as Jinman says, they will dig ruts, and leave marks more so that R4's. Stuck tractors, stuck dozers, stuck dump trucks, pickups, cars. Been there and done all that. I have actually learned now........ /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

IH3444 · Mar 20, 2006

To add, took a ride to Tractor Supply, and stopped at a new Farm Trak dealer on the way. They had a 95hp huge Farm Trak with Radial R1s. Those tires were wide like R4s, but with massive R1 tread. 24" rims in front, and 38" in the rear. Nice looking machine, with a Deutz diesel in it. Very up to date also, not the older looking ford's of yesteryear. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JerryG · Mar 20, 2006

I really don't know if floating on top of soil that is really saturated with water would always be good or not. The reason that I say that is because, if you had something heavy to pull or carry, it looks like the tractor would have a real chance that it would just sit there and spin. The R-1s will dig down, but if there is a bottom anywhere close you can at least get out. I know finding a bottom can be a problem sometimes and in some areas. I was rolling rocks about four years ago and went in to a saturated area. I didn't know that it was that bad. Before I knew it, I was dragging the axles in the mud. I made some fine ditches, but I pulled through. If I had had any kind of tire other than R-1s, I would have had to have help.

Doc_Bob · Mar 20, 2006

Let me ask another question about R1 vs R4. Turf can take a beating with R1. What about a gravel drive? Will r1 "dig" into them? I ask because I would like to use a snow blower. Will a unfrozen gravel drive suffer with R1 while using a snow blower?
Bob

HRS · Mar 20, 2006

Doc,
I pulled the specs on the 40 to get an idea of how much it weighs. The TC40 weighs in at close to 3400 lbs. With that said, I would say that ags will not hurt your gravel drive on grounds under well drained conditions. I grew up on a Ford 2000. It weighed in at 3600 lbs. The ags were never a problem on pasture, road, etc, etc. Now if you have areas that stay wet, you will soon have some ruts on your hands, but if it stays wet, I would think that any presure will cause problems. You might have a mess regardless, if the area has a drain problem.

The R4's have nice grip also. I've pulled some major weight through tilled soil with a tractor that had R4's. I noticed the tire slip, but it kept right on pulling. I'm sure they will do what you have mentioned here. If you were to be interested in dragging heavy dead weight often, then ags would be your choice. If this is not the case, R4's will do great by you. I decided on R1 tires for my tractor because I play in the field often, and I imagine that I will sometimes attach to a bottom plow, or skid a tree out of some marshy areas on the land.

However, tilling, box blading, towing, R4 will do fine. Like you I pondered this question and went with R1 simply because I would never be concerned about the tires making tracks anywhere I put the tractor. If you have such concern, then go with the R4.