Final Hour... B2620 Purchase Iminent.

[robertm]

I'm sure JOHNTHOMAS will chime in here...

Sold the BX the other day, so I'm going for the B. My last concern is the tires. My last B's sliced the sod on turns, albeit sharper turns. I test drove one last week with the turfs. It also cut. I'm only concerned in areas of the same pattern creating tearing up the grass.
I'm thinking the continuous edge of the turf may create a bigger issue on turns than the R4's since the R4's are running on tread "blocks" and alternating depressions on their edges.
Also, the turfs bring back too much mud from the areas I have without good grass growth... Not to mention the remnants of the pooch's presence. At least the R4's are wider treads and easier to clean. Thoughts?

 

[s219]

I don't have issues with the R4s on my lawn in 2WD. In 4WD, they tear up any soft surface when making turns. I suspect turfs would do that in 4WD too.

Theoretically, the turfs should float better because the tread blocks are smaller and more evenly distributed. That means they would sink in less on soft surfaces. I think the continuous edge would have to be better, not worse.

So in my opinion, if you can avoid turns in 4WD, you're ahead of the game with both types of tires. If you want the gentlest touch overall, turfs are better.

 

[robertm]

When I tested the Kenda 500 front turfs, they just peeled up a slice about 1" wide on turns. I agree 4WD is an issue, but I never mow in 4WD. So are tight turns. I avoid those. The issue is rounding my trees with 6' diameter mulch beds. I guess my dream of not having to use a weed wacker is gone.
I bought the B2620 today, and am waiting until the MMM comes in to pick the unit up. The dealer will have R4's installed, and let me test it out on their grass. I know how the turfs did there, so should the R4's seem worse or not worth the difference, they will change them to turfs. Turfs are my preference, but since my son will compete for seat time, I want the tires that do the least damage.

 

[WayneJessie]

I'm sure JOHNTHOMAS will chime in here...

Sold the BX the other day, so I'm going for the B. My last concern is the tires. My last B's sliced the sod on turns, albeit sharper turns. I test drove one last week with the turfs. It also cut. I'm only concerned in areas of the same pattern creating tearing up the grass.
I'm thinking the continuous edge of the turf may create a bigger issue on turns than the R4's since the R4's are running on tread "blocks" and alternating depressions on their edges.
Also, the turfs bring back too much mud from the areas I have without good grass growth... Not to mention the remnants of the pooch's presence. At least the R4's are wider treads and easier to clean. Thoughts?

My B-Series has always been rough on turf especially when the ground is soft from rain. The industrial tires make it worse but even the turf tires do it as well. If I could do things over I would not have purchased a B. I would have found an older L-Series for doing my garden and spent the difference on a zero turn for mowing. My B has been 100% reliable but it's just a poor choice for mowing unless you're mowing big, wide open areas with little need for turning. I'm going to put mine up for sale after this summer is over to fund a ZT for mowing. I have a M6800DT that'll do for bigger jobs.

 

[Finnster]

I have a B2620 w/ R4s (rear loaded) and I tear/indent my grass pretty bad sometimes. I'm actually getting a set of turfs for this years mowing season.

I've done all the common stuff, no 4wd, K-turns, tight circles, but the tread pattern is pretty easy to see even when I'm not turning.

Of course not having loaded tires would help, but the tread is just too aggressive for my lawn w/ is very heavy clay and not very well drained.
I didn't even use the tractor in Mar/early Apr as the snow and ground was melting. Fortunately my lawn is very open, flat and wide.

Hopefully the turfs will do better for more constant use, if not i'll have wasted $800! The R4s have been great for almost everything else. The experiences I've read are so mixed I really think it comes down to your local environment. I'll likely keep the R4s for a while, swap as needed, and if rarely used I will just sell them.

 

[Finnster]

As to your other questions, mud/snow does clean/fling off the R4s easy enough.

Overall I love my B. It is an inbetween tractor and does a lot of things really well. While there are better mowers, its good enough and I can't say I've ever had too much power in the BH or the FEL. I would not want a smaller unit for either of those. The clearance in the snow was a godsend this winter and I love having a 3spd over the 2spd in the BXs.

Best of luck

 

[Grateful11]

I couldn't resist, it just popped into my head ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T575Pbo4eWM

 

[robertm]

Huh? Not sure what you are thinking.

 

[Grateful11]

It's just a joke. Sometimes this place needs a tad of humor.

 

[polarred21]

Just curious and I know this is probably not an option at this point, but has anyone seen or run this low agressive AG tire as shown here? Seems the rounded egde would be mower friendly?