Snow Equipment Owning/Operating R4s vs R14s Tested

[Midwesterner]

I just got these Monday, I don't know if they have a "r xx" designation but they are similar to the Nokian. I opted out of the actual Nokian as from what little information is out there, the Nokia seems to have a softer rubber and a narrow target of snow use. I've had a pair of this style on the front for over a year and I'm very happy with them for our soils (gravelly) and winter plowing along with the road ride and expected increased tread life.
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Nice write up Midwesterner

Thank you. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI, which seems to be the tractor tire that Nokian is known for, is a very snow oriented tire. They have recently come out with all season contractor tires, I think theyre called, but there is better priced, just as good options closer to home. If I had to guess, I would say that your tires are a R4 designation, like mine. Which brand are they?

 

[Rustyiron]

They are BKT, a little over $1500 per copy for my size (18.4r30) The tractor came with radials and I'll never go back.

 

[Midwesterner]

They are BKT, a little over $1500 per copy for my size (18.4r30) The tractor came with radials and I'll never go back.

Duh me. I completely forgot that BKT had entered that market, even though, if my memory serves me correctly, they were one of the initial manufactures to that market. And, yeah, radials are the way to go. I have no clue why they only became factory on compacts within the last few years:confused3:, but there is a reason why all of the larger tractors come with them stock nowadays.

 

[SuperiorLakeEffect]

Nice report! Will definitely cite this in the 'previous work' section of my next R14 snow report!

If you're a rally fan, this Nokian tractor tire video is pretty great:

The Race. Full length. Nokian Heavy Tyres with Juha Kankkunen and Joni Maununen. - YouTube

 

[LD1]

Everything is a compromise.

What works well in snow doesnt work well in soft ground and/or mud.

So likely what you gained in snow traction you sacrificed in mud traction. There is no "one size fits all" tire. Thats why the manufactures have blessed us with choices and options so we can all choose what works best for the conditions we use our tractors in

 

[Midwesterner]

Nice report! Will definitely cite this in the 'previous work' section of my next R14 snow report!

If you're a rally fan, this Nokian tractor tire video is pretty great:

The Race. Full length. Nokian Heavy Tyres with Juha Kankkunen and Joni Maununen. - YouTube

Yeah that video is cool. It would be an honor to be cited in your next report.:cool2:

 

[Midwesterner]

Everything is a compromise.

What works well in snow doesnt work well in soft ground and/or mud.

So likely what you gained in snow traction you sacrificed in mud traction. There is no "one size fits all" tire. Thats why the manufactures have blessed us with choices and options so we can all choose what works best for the conditions we use our tractors in

That is very true. These tires probably wouldnt do the best in mud, but they would do much better than what they replaced. IMO, this style of tires will become what the original reason of putting R4s on tractors was aiming for, a true multi-use tire.

 

[pmsmechanic]

That is very true. These tires probably wouldnt do the best in mud, but they would do much better than what they replaced. IMO, this style of tires will become what the original reason of putting R4s on tractors was aiming for, a true multi-use tire.

For me it would depend on what carcass the tire is built on. If it's a modified R-4 I would steer away as I don't like their rough ride. But if it was built on an R-3 or R-1 carcass I would be very interested.

And if they are a radial then what I just said doesn't matter.

 

[Rustyiron]

Cool video, makes me want another couple of hundred horsepower

 

[ruffdog]

I sure wish I could get those Nokians in the size to fit the Toolcat 29x12.5-15 when the time comes.