New TC24DA on the way, need to make tire choice!!!

JSUnlimited · Mar 20, 2005

I am taking delivery on the 28th a new TC24DA w/12LA loader and 60"MMM-rear discharge. This will be replacing a Kubota B-1550 no loader and 54" MMM. I am going nuts trying to decide b/t the R4 or turfs! No price change, dealer will load the rears. The most use will be finish mowing but none of my grass looks anything "golf course" like. I also till gardens in the spring and brush hog as well. I have both flat and hilly areas. I will be doing loader work around the house, top-soil, mulch, and limestone. I also maintain a 500+' uphill limestone drive. I have some woods to clean up too. The Kubota had turfs on front and some sort of Firestone "bar/turfs" on the back that worked well, but the fronts would gum up often. The only reason I'm leaning towards the turfs is that the rears are wider than on the R4 type. I have a little hydro riding mower for the "good" grass around the house. I think R4's are the way to go but...? Never had a loader before so R4's are probably best for that? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

jwstewar · Mar 20, 2005

I use my TC24 almost exactly like you are planning, except I do all of my mowing with it - not that my grass is golf course - not even close. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif But I went with the R4s. I haven't noticed any problems with marking. Now if I take a turn a little too fast (doesn't matter if in 2wd or 4wd) I will see a few "skid" marks where the grass was pulled up a little bit. It has usually healed itself by the time I mow next time. Also you will get a little stiffer side wall for the loader work - though if underinflated will still pop off the rim. But my biggest concern was running the cutter. A couple of locust trees with big thorns. So far no problems - but one did go into one of the rear lugs. If that would have been a turf I think I would've been buying a tire. I think R4s will also provide a little better traction than turfs - though not Ag type traction. Others will say turfs with chains will do better though.

Hoped that helped and didn't confuse you that much more. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Bob_Skurka · Mar 20, 2005

I have R4's on my TC24 and B2910 and find them to be a good choice. Don't mow in 4wd with R4's or you will tear the turf at the corners when you turn. Other than that, they are reasonably soft on the grass.

JSUnlimited · Mar 20, 2005

Yep, good point on those thorns. I have some back woods to clean up and have a plug in the left font turf of the Kubota as a reminder! I guess when I look at the rear of the TC24 with R4's, it just looks so narrow. I guess I'm used to those Firestones on the Kubota. Does anyone have a picture of thier TC24DA with turfs?

LarryD · Mar 20, 2005

I also have a "natural blend" of grasses and weeds with R4's on my 33D. I use a riding mower for the so called lawn. Whenever I run in the yard area, I just avoid any sharp turns. With hydro it's just a quick 3-point turn.

hazmat · Mar 20, 2005

I'm lucky. I've got both tires for my TC18. The R4s were marking up my lawn. Here's a side by side comparison

Rears attached

hazmat · Mar 20, 2005

And front.

My dealer hooked me up with a set of "take offs" for 50% off list. Retail all 4 corners would run you ~$800 +/-

hazmat · Mar 20, 2005

My front turfs aren't too happy when running the loader. I have to air them up to Max PSI. I think the TC24DA comes with a beefier tire (more plies?) I'd check what mine are, but they are out in the shed & the snow hasn't melted yet....

If I had to choose between 1 & the other, I'd get turfs.

JSUnlimited · Mar 20, 2005

Well, thanks everyone for the input. I've decided on the R4's because of some projects I have to do down the road. Besides, I have a small rider to mow close to the house anayways.

JSUnlimited · Mar 20, 2005

Well, thanks everyone for the input. I've decided on the R4's because of some projects I have to do down the road. Besides, I have a small rider to mow close to the house anyways.