Turf tires on smaller tractors

[Bavarian]

I had a 4200 with turf tires on it. I did pretty much everything with it. From loader work in winter and summer to running a snow 72" blower. I never had to pull it out of somewhere. Sure, Manitoba is flat, but we still have ditches and wet areas.

If I'd buy another tractor that size, there would be turfs on it.

I have pictures of it, but can't post them. I don't know why, I just can't find the 'attached button'.

 

[Deadman]

I wish my 2720 had Turfs on it as the R4 industrials are rock hard and slippery.

I like the R4 because they are tough, but I run only 4 psi in them and I can't even flex them with 1,000 lbs of ballast on the rear. On hard surfaces they vibrate like a ATV on swampers. They dent my grass sod too.

I'm not saying the turf is better, but I will say the R4's are not impressive to me until you groove them for traction purposes, then I'm happy with them.

 

[RoyJackson]

One regret when buying my Deere 4520 was not taking up the dealer's offer to swap the R-4's (with 2000 hours on them) for a new set of turfs he had ordered for another customer. It would have been an even swap. However, the 4520 has a Curtis Cab and a 448 backhoe. I wasn't sure the turfs, with their less plies and thinner sidewalls would handle the weight of the backhoe (about 1500 lbs).
I had turfs on a 4400 I used as a trade for the 4520. Even though I had chains for the 4400, I'd never installed them for a very tough winter in 2012-2013. That was our first year in Vermont (moved late November 2012). Even with the heavy snows we got, no trouble plowing with those turfs.

So, unless you're planning on a lot of agricultural work, I'd definitely go for turfs!

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'll be honest here and be right up front about the fact that I like turfs.

Today I got hung up in a snow bank with my tractor in the ditch. I got out just by pushing a bit of show away from the back tires with my feet and then full throttle in second range and then just back and forth. I easily had enough traction in snow at around freezing that I could run out of power. I had to keep feathering the hydrostatic to keep from stalling the engine. This is in snow with turfs. No fluid, weights or chains. Just a heavy homemade box blade on the three point hitch.

 

[Texasmark]

One regret when buying my Deere 4520 was not taking up the dealer's offer to swap the R-4's (with 2000 hours on them) for a new set of turfs he had ordered for another customer. It would have been an even swap. However, the 4520 has a Curtis Cab and a 448 backhoe. I wasn't sure the turfs, with their less plies and thinner sidewalls would handle the weight of the backhoe (about 1500 lbs).
I had turfs on a 4400 I used as a trade for the 4520. Even though I had chains for the 4400, I'd never installed them for a very tough winter in 2012-2013. That was our first year in Vermont (moved late November 2012). Even with the heavy snows we got, no trouble plowing with those turfs.

So, unless you're planning on a lot of agricultural work, I'd definitely go for turfs!

Just the flip of your problem is mine. My 2400 is setup at the factory for a Back Hoe. I don't have one, nor need/want one. Getting a tractor with turfs is an order and wait thing. I had to wait a few days for a new shipment of 2400s (sold out) to get to my dealer (with R4s) and that was long enough.

I too am running single digit pressures in mine, had them rim filled with liquid ballast, bought an air seat and all that to get a smooth ride; still looking for something better. My turfs have a 12/32 lug depth which ought to give me at least as good traction as the R4s and should be in next week. We'll see what adjustments (pressure and fill) it'll take to make them work. Got a deal on them from my local "have a tire for every purpose, mom and pop shop". Got Titan 33x12.5-16.5s for $290 no tax and no shipment as they are coming in with an order that they already had coming from Titan. I just had to wait a couple of weeks.