Anyone know the difference between the R-4 and R-14 Tractor tires besides the Thread style. Which is better and for what application? The MX5400 has both tires.
Thanks Much!!!!
Thanks Much!!!!
R-4 and R-14 tractor tires
- Thread starter Coyote Shadow Tracker
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jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
It depends on your primary usage. I have R4 and did on my last machine. It has the thickest, toughest sidewalls and is best for heavy loader work and anything rough that will tear up tires. It has less ground engaging traction for plowing and snow removal than R1 tires (deep lug agricultural). R1 has less sidewall strength for heavy loader work than R4. R14 is a compromise between the 2 styles with some attributes of both. I will say that on the MX machine I have never lacked traction for plowing and snow plowing and I personally prefer R4 for this machine.
The difference is R-10.
I think it depends on your primary uses.
IMO proper weight/ballast is important for traction. Load tires, add weight, and appropriate ballast all increase traction regardless of the tread pattern. I think depending on your terrain and primary uses plan would be factors. I’ve had 3 orange machines all with R4s and any traction issues I ever had was due to lack of weight.
Our current tractor has R4s and I like them, but when seeing the R-14T by Goodyear I think this would be better for our property. This tire recently came out a few years ago from Goodyear. We looked at a lot of reviews and videos, so we are going with the R14T.The difference is R-10.
I think it depends on your primary uses.
IMO proper weight/ballast is important for traction. Load tires, add weight, and appropriate ballast all increase traction regardless of the tread pattern. I think depending on your terrain and primary uses plan would be factors. I’ve had 3 orange machines all with R4s and any traction issues I ever had was due to lack of weight.
The R-4 can hold much more weight but the R-14T is a Hybrid between the R-1 and R-4. Good traction in mud loose soil and easy ride on the road.
Thanks for all the answers!!!
Donystoy
Active member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
LX2610HSDCC, B/H, Loader, plus numerous other attachments. B7200 sold
I had turf tires on my B7200 and ordered R14 tires for my LX2610. They are far better than the turfs were especially when blowing snow. As previously stated all depends on application.
We had some small fields, lot of woods, and a wet area so we think our best option is the R-14T Good year 440/80R24.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
The R4 tire design they put on the smaller tractors are different tread patterns than those on the MX. Mine work great and I never lack for traction.
I have a set of R4 for a BX and they work great, not slipping (much) yet not tearing up the soft woods. Ag tires would likely be too aggressive for most of what I do (landscaping).
R4 will start to ruin a lawn after a few passes (depending how wet it is and how compacted the lawn is), so I also have a set of lawn wheels and swap them pretty easily, along with the Front End Loader and Mid-Mount Mower--for as much complaining as guys do about the MMM all I can say is the 60" on a BX rolled in on an arc mounts easily (when you do it regularly).
Compare the load ranges. I like the looks of the R-14 and would seriously consider them. Our local county is using them now on their loader backhoes and wheel loaders.
I've had no issues with my R4's tearing up grass. Ice and snow traction is getting worse the more worn they get.
I've had no issues with my R4's tearing up grass. Ice and snow traction is getting worse the more worn they get.
Yotekiller
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L2502, LP 60" BB, LP pallet forks, 60" KK Tiller, 55" HSI root grapple
I have R14's on my Kubota and love them. My brother has R4's on his John Deere and swears he's converting to R14's as soon as those wear out...
Fist tractor was a Cub LoBoy 154 with 2WD and dried out diamond pattern turfs on the rear. Absolutely worthless for traction. Then the Ford with 4WD & R1's that can almost walk up a wall. I replaced the Ford's R1's twice since 1990.
I've run R4's on the Kubotae since 2002 (B7500, L3200 & now L4240). They've all had ballasted rears and RFM's for mowing. Should note that I never have the loader & its frame on unless I'm using it and almost never drop into 4WD while mowing. The B7500 was OK in snow, but not great. On the next two tractors I grooved the R4's and they've done exceptionally well in snow. Pic below of L4240. I don't have anything in mud that I need to access, so can't say much about that application.
When the R14's came along I had a bad case of lust for a while. At some time in the future the current R4's on the L4240 may predecease me. If that happens R4's would get a more serious look. It won't be easy to go from a proven winner to something that looks neat - especially since I suspect they will require different rims.
I've run R4's on the Kubotae since 2002 (B7500, L3200 & now L4240). They've all had ballasted rears and RFM's for mowing. Should note that I never have the loader & its frame on unless I'm using it and almost never drop into 4WD while mowing. The B7500 was OK in snow, but not great. On the next two tractors I grooved the R4's and they've done exceptionally well in snow. Pic below of L4240. I don't have anything in mud that I need to access, so can't say much about that application.
When the R14's came along I had a bad case of lust for a while. At some time in the future the current R4's on the L4240 may predecease me. If that happens R4's would get a more serious look. It won't be easy to go from a proven winner to something that looks neat - especially since I suspect they will require different rims.
Attachments
Here is a side by side for the MX5400 with R4 & R14 Tires. The Newer R4 size 17.5L-24INO. The R14 size is 440/80R24. Then the newer style R4 and the R14
Attachments
Thanks for posting that. I like the looks of those new R4's. This is the first I've seen them.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
The MX that I bought in late 2021 has that style of R4. See the photos I posted earlier.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Actually looking at the posted photos, you’re right. The newer ones look better yet. I would definitely choose that new R4s over the R14. The toughness of the R4 can’t be beat.
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The newer R4 have some extra cuts/groves/lug shapes for some more traction, but still large surface area like the "Industrial" R4 Design for load bearing. It was a hard decision between the two, but picked the R14 due to some wet areas on our property and the middle row of thread lugs keeps road surface for a smoother ride if on Blacktop. Messicks has some good videos on Tires.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Well what’s best for your use is what you need to do. I never drive my machine on pavement.