Replace All 4 tires or just fronts?

[RandyinMS]

Hello needing some advice

I have an LS Tractor XR4150 HST with over 2,000 hours. It is a 4wd which I use a lot. The front tires are splitting. The rears are in pretty good shape. Can I buy/replace just the fronts? My mind is telling me that because of the 4wd I have to buy 4 new tires. My budget is hoping for just fronts.

Will replacing just fronts mess with thew 4wd gearing?

TIA
Randy

 

[newbury]

Go till they blow.
You should be able to replace the fronts (of the same size as the existing) with no qualms.

 

[jeff9366]

You can replace the front tires alone as long as the replacement front tires are the same diameter.

If you have a Loader on your tractor, replace the front tires sooner rather than later.

 

[oldnslo]

I replaced front only on my Branson for same reason you are looking. I didn’t want one blowing out when had loader full and raised.

Go with same size should not be a problem

 

[rScotty]

I replaced front only on my Branson for same reason you are looking. I didn’t want one blowing out when had loader full and raised.

Go with same size should not be a problem

That's pretty common. Replace the fronts. Then you can think about the rears later. Mechanically replacing the front - with OEM type tires - nwill also help get the lead/lag ratio closer to right again. I suspect it is getting hard to shift OUT of 4wd with a load in the bucket.

 

[3Ts]

I replaced just the fronts on mine many years ago and did not have any problems with the 4wd.

 

[Mrsig]

Just the fronts just make sure they are the same size.

 

[5030]

Me, I run them until bald (R1's), 4 shoes on my tractors today are well over 5500 bucks.

 

[rScotty]

I replaced just the fronts on mine many years ago and did not have any problems with the 4wd.

Yeah, I hear you. I did the same with one of mine and had no problem either - which was surprising, but happens. Since small tractors are 4wd assist instead of full time 4wd, they depend a lot on tire shape & size for how the 4wd works. Tire wear and FEL load changes the tire shape and that changes the front/rear gear ratio. Sometimes that makes it hard to shift out of 4wd. Not always....

Apologies for repeating what so many owners already know, but we have a lot of new tractor owners on TBN.
Enjoy,
rScotty