Tires R1 vs R4 Tires on 4120?

[tillboy2001]

I think we're close to getting a 4120. Still in the works. My problem is I keep going back and forth on the tire issue. I like the idea of the R4's not being as aggresive in the lawn...but I really don't keep a photo perfect lawn. So if there were a few places on turns where the R1's dug in a bit, I think I could easily live with that. The tractor will mainly be used in the field, on hilly terrain...sometimes fairly steep, other times not so steep. I just worry about the hills mainly. With 4x4, would it still be ok with the R4's...or do you think I should just stick with the standard R1's and save a few hundred bucks? I know the R1's would be killer with 4x4. Please give me your thoughts. I think I'm leaning back to the R1's now...but might go ahead and go with the R4's if you have no issues with them in wet grass on slopes, etc. Will be getting a 400X loader too.

 

[tillboy2001]

This is the lawn I'm talking about, on slopes: http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/31884635/large.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/36789398.jpg

And this is the field area:
http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/38304258.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/kygarden/image/38304279.jpg

The really steep parts are in my lawn, not in the field.

 

[Sadler]

I'm using my 4120 with R4s in the same situation you describe--mostly on hills and pastures but also around my house to mow my less than perfect lawn and I've found that if I'm patient around the house and not mow with the tractor when it's wet, I don't have a problem. I use my riding mower when I have to mow and it's wet--takes more time, but doesn't eat the lawn. I've used the traction of the R4s many times now away from the house when doing loader work and brush cutting on hills, so in my case, the R4s have worked out well.

 

[tillboy2001]

Hmm...problem is, I'm sort of stubborn and I like to get out and do things when I'M ready...not mother nature...LOL So that means I'm very likely to be out when it's wet...

 

[dicker]

I have R4's on my 4310. I can't attest to slippery grass because I try not to use the tractor on the grass when it is soft or wet because of the damage, and I don't have any significant hills on my property. Also, if I do have to go on the grass in anything but really dry conditions, I always try to stay in 2 wheel drive. Four wheel drive tears up the grass on sharp turns.
However, I can tell you that R4's and four wheel drive are great in the snow. So if slippery grass is equal to snow, R4's could be the answer.
Good luck in your decision

Richard

 

[timb]

There are some decisions and circumstances that might color your choice...

What's your soil like out there, and are you planning on filling the rear tires? A little extra weight goes a long way in making ruts.

A 4120, with filled rears and the loader mounted, is likely too heavy to drive more than only very occasionally on anything you'd remotely call a lawn - with R1s or R4s. I'm not sure what your weather has been out in Cinn but we had a fairly wet fall here in western PA and our (clay) ground was soft. My 4710 with filled R1s and the loader left full-width ruts (meaning the whole tire print, not just the lug impressions) between an inch or so deep to as much as six to eight inches deep anywhere I drove. I don't think R4s would have reduced that much. Even in the driest part of the summer I could usually see my tracks (although that was more often just the lug impressions).

My point is I think a large-framed heavy JD CUT with filled tires is simply too heavy for regular lawn travel on our clay soils - especially if and when they soften up at all. That said, if your soils and conditions are like ours - unless you need the higher strength of the R4 carcass, you might as well get all the traction you can and go with the R1s.

(p.s. - your lawn looks a lot nicer than ours! Nice place.)

 

[tillboy2001]

We have heavy clay here too. In summer, it's usually very firm and the old Ford 640 with somewhat worn R1's don't do much of any damage or even show up much (this is my wife's grandparents Ford I speak of). I think I'm more leaing on the R1's now. Wet grass is worse than snow. Once it folds over, unless you've got something to dig in and penetrate, you're screwed. Turf tires are totally worthless where I live. The first time I slid down the front lawn on my lawn mower, I ordered a set of R1 style tires for my rider mower. No problems since then.

I think long term, we'll be better off with R1's. Grandpa is sold on them anyway...LOL Maybe it's wishful thinking that I'm going to mow the lawn with this tractor. It's a pretty big tractor actually. I think I can get away with it though in the not so pretty sections of the lawn. I've got KY tall fescue growing and it's tough as nails.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think long term, we'll be better off with R1's )</font>

Beautiful place you have there. And of course there's some personal preference involved, but there's no doubt that I would go with the R1s myself.

 

[tillboy2001]

These tires are tubless, right? I guess I'm still thinking old school since we have that old Ford 640 around and it has tube tires. I would think the new models are tubless. Correct?

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would think the new models are tubless. Correct? )</font>

Some are; some are not. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif You can get either one.

 

[timb]

That's a great point for comparison. I was setting my expectations for my 4710 based on our experiences with our '53 Ford NAA. (Also originally the wife's grandfather's, small world!) Probably very close to the size/weight of your 640. I found a big difference in 'marking' between the NAA (with calcium filled fairly fresh 12.8x28 R1s) and my 4710. The old Ford can pass over the lawn and usually leave very little in the way of tracks behind. Not so the 4710. I'd estimate the weight of the NAA as it is to be around 3500 lbs, whereas the 4710 with filled 16.9x24's and the 460 loader with HD bucket is probably up around 6000 lbs. Makes a big difference.

 

[tillboy2001]

Oh ok. JD says the 4120 weighs approx. 3700 lbs. Add the loader and a few weights maybe. The 640 we have has front and rear wheel weights.

 

[timb]

Your 640 is supposed to be about 3000 lbs 'dry'. Add to that whatever wheel weights you've got mounted.

The 4120 is 3700 lbs as delivered, but the 400X and bucket will add 1000-1100 lbs, and you could add anywhere from 200-600 lbs of rear wheel weights, and 400 lbs or more of front suitcase weights. Even without filled tires, you could also be well over 5000 lbs - nearly 6000 lbs maxed out.

I wouldn't be surprised if your track mark results end up very simliar to mine. I'm not real concerned for my 'field' areas (or even the 'yard') but it is what it is.

 

[tillboy2001]

Well I'm sure I'll be having so much fun I won't care anyway /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[timb]

You ain't wrong! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rb4410]

i am located in s/central pa and i also have some pretty steep grades to deal with,our ground is'nt so much clay but can be soft as i have alot of shade and it does'nt really dry out. i chose the R-4 tires for my 4410. i always have the loader on and have rear wheel weights,the machine seems to tread softly and i keep it in 4WD at all times and as long as i don't make super sharp turns the R-4's don't rip the turf up at all. they seem to be the best compromise and they also have the benefit of longer wear and also if you have alot of rocks as i do,the stiffer carcass sure comes in handy as far as puncture resistance. if you had alot of Ag duty i would use the R-1's,but for general purpose i don't think there is a better choice than the R-4's. good luck with you're decision,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[bugstruck]

You might want to consider what the damage to the lawn will be with R-1 tires this time of year. Once the soil freezes and thaws (pops) it's real vulnerable. If you don't have any need to traverse that yard until just shy of Easter when the soil stabilizes you could go with the R-1's in dry conditions without too much damage. This time of year with thawing the R-4's are going to tear it up pretty good. Particularly in the swail areas of the yard. I've only got 7 hours on mine and one pass with R-4's through my swail area (you have one too) made a rather good mess. Didn't take long to figure it out. My soil is clay and rock with minimal top. Hard as a brick in the dry summer. The R-1's would be more beneficial if you into sod busting in soil conditions this time of year with total disregard to the spring repair work assuming your in the yard. I'm at just shy of 6,000 lbs. with my setup (excluding the BH) so I'm close in weight.

IMHO those photos depict an R-4 tire environment. Just keep them out of the pond. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Enjoy the toy!!