R14 vs Turf Tire ride

[Bugzilla46310]

They delivered our 2680 today. The dealer informed us they did not have a set of turf tires like we ordered so they left the R14 tires on and will swap them when he gets them. I was satisfied on how the R14 did not tear up our sandy soil, but thought the ride was rough compared to other garden tractors I’ve driven. Never had an issue with the turf tires when using the bucket or plowing snow with other garden tractors. Has anyone gone from R14 to turf or visa-versa and notice any ride difference? Thanks

 

[MOOTS]

Check your pressures. Bet they are near max in the rear.

 

[mikester]

I assume the R14's have more plies than the turfs. In general turfs are softer, take less load, and ride better.

If you have a loader then the turfs will be harder to steer when loaded.

 

[RalphVa]

R14s have a better ride than R4s, probably about the same as turfs I had on the 1st (of 4) tractors.

Had LOTS of troubles with the front turfs on the 1st tractor.

 

[Grindstone]

R14s have a better ride than R4s, probably about the same as turfs I had on the 1st (of 4) tractors.

Had LOTS of troubles with the front turfs on the 1st tractor.

What sort of issues did you encounter with your front turfs? I have them as well and would like to avoid issues if i could.

 

[SDT]

I assume the R14's have more plies than the turfs. In general turfs are softer, take less load, and ride better.

If you have a loader then the turfs will be harder to steer when loaded.

They don't.

They are all 2 ply.

 

[SDT]

What sort of issues did you encounter with your front turfs? I have them as well and would like to avoid issues if i could.

I bought my B1750 new in 1994. It has Z-Bar rears and compatible turfs on the front.

After about 10 years, the front turf tires would no longer hold air due to leakage through the thin inside rubber layer.

About 20 years ago, I installed HD tubes in the front turfs and have not added air since.

FWIW, the front turf tires are Bridgestones.

SDT

 

[jyoutz]

They don't.

They are all 2 ply.

R-4s are 4-6 ply

 

[Grindstone]

I bought my B1750 new in 1994. It has Z-Bar rears and compatible turfs on the front.

After about 10 years, the front turf tires would no longer hold air due to leakage through the thin inside rubber layer.

About 20 years ago, I installed HD tubes in the front turfs and have not added air since.

FWIW, the front turf tires are Bridgestones.

SDT

Thank you

 

[SDT]

R-4s are 4-6 ply

None of mine are.

2 Ply. 4 ply rated.

 

[Dieseldonato]

My r 14s are all 6 Ply rating, (didnt buy from kubota) and I wouldn't trade them for the stock turf tires if my life depended on it. Still have the rear turf tires and wheels saved for winter use with chains on them but haven't had the urge to use them. The r14s have been fairly gentle on the yard, much nicer then the r1s on my other tractors and have far superior grip then turn tires. I don't use 4x4 nearly as often anymore either, further negating the scrub marks from turning with the turf tires in 4x4. Thinking about it I don't use 4x4 hardly at all anymore.

 

[mikester]

R-4s are 4-6 ply

I think plies depend on your tire size and desired load rating.

I have 8 plies on my R4's, Titan carries 8-12 ply with a load rating up to 7150 lbs on the 12 ply

Product

www.titan-intl.com

The R14's don't show a ply rating but can go up to 7600 lbs load rating

Titan - Tires - R14T

Tires help equipment take on some of the most challenging applications — including farming, construction, mining and forestry. Product line R14T

www.titan-intl.com

You can even get Turfs up to 12 ply and 3520 lbs load rating

Titan - Tires - MULTI-TRAC-CS

Tires help equipment take on some of the most challenging applications — including farming, construction, mining and forestry. Product line MULTI-TRAC-CS

www.titan-intl.com

The R4's and R14's have stiffer side walls which are better for loader work. The turfs are designed for low ground pressure and in general have softer side walls which makes for a smoother ride. I would have gone R14 if I had the option, I would seriously consider switching when the time comes to replace my tires. R4's seem to be cheaper and more available at this time.

 

[Dieseldonato]

Carlisle calls them a versa turf tire and has a few sizes in the compact range of tire. All rated higher weights then then the titan/good year by quite a lot.

Versa Turf Tire

Versa Turf Tire is a radial construction for improved flotation, maximizing traction, superior mud-shedding performance. The tire to have in snow and ice.

www.carlislebrandtires.com

The other brand I have/ looked at was galaxy. They call theirs the garden pro r3+

Galaxy Garden Pro R-3+

www.galaxyprimex.com

The larger agg tractors all had nokian tires on them. They would be the originator of a hybrid tire design.

Agricultural and contracting / Nokian Tyres

Agricultural and contracting. Skip search and go to tire listing

www.nokiantyres.com

Agricultural and contracting / Nokian Tyres

Agricultural and contracting. Skip search and go to tire listing

www.nokiantyres.com

These arw the two tread patterns I've ran, the second I have the most time on and couldn't say how much better then an r1,3,or 4 they are. Especially if you do any amount of roading. The ground kings did well on road but not like the hakka tires. They did do much better off road. Neither tire did poorly.

 

[Snowman7]

Way smoother with turfs, much more give. I had 22 years on turf tires and now 1 year on R 14’s

 

[WFM]

Were I am I need a tire that bites I'll stick to R1's for me.
I certainly understand turf tires are made for the application they are for and work great for many.