Who has R14 tires?

[Old_Paint]

How tall a tree do you want to climb? The LX2610SU with loaded fat R14's will crawl over just about anything. Aired to proper inflation with ballast, the turn a compact tractor into something that rivals full size. Look at the size of the tires in the photo posted by WFM. If you can't crawl out of a mud hole with that, there's a big problem, and it ain't the tractor's fault.

 

[Fastball]

Was looking at implements the other day and stopped into the Kioti dealership (don’t judge me, OK?) and they had R14s on quite a few tractors. The sales guy said he sells most of his compact tractors with the R14s installed now.

 

[dirtydeed]

I suppose time will tell if they stick around for a while. I like the looks of R-14's tread pattern, but they look like they have half the tread depth of an R4 and are likely of softer compound. If they really have a much lower load range capacity, I wonder what the ply rating is.

I'm fine with r4's for now...'cept in deep snow!

 

[MadMax31]

Just added R14s before the winter. Better snow traction then my R4s. Havent mowed with them yet. The fronts seem to be worlds better and the rears seem to be kinda better, if that vague description helps??

 

[Orange man hero]

I have the 14's on a new 2610. I have nothing to compare them to as tractors go as I have not been on a tractor for many years. But, to me, and I have a lot of time in 4x4 pick-ups, the 14's work great. Unless there is ice I see no need for chains with these.

 

[GBDA]

I have the R14 tires and have had no issues with them keeping traction. I have been in muddy conditions and doing land grading. I have had R1 tires before and had a few more issues.
Hope this helps.

 

[B2710]

After having R4 on my tractors for the past 20 years, I just got a LX3310 with R14s. The R14s definitely have a different feel and not sure they grip any better in grass or dirt. If you air them up to the OM pressures (30 psig for size), they ride better but look like balloons and are very rounded. If I air down to something that seems reasonable (14-20 psig), they are bouncy to a level that feels dangerous even with loaded tires. The R4s always felt rock solid... Time will tell on the R14s.

 

[Henro]

After having R4 on my tractors for the past 20 years, I just got a LX3310 with R14s. The R14s definitely have a different feel and not sure they grip any better in grass or dirt. If you air them up to the OM pressures (30 psig for size), they ride better but look like balloons and are very rounded. If I air down to something that seems reasonable (14-20 psig), they are bouncy to a level that feels dangerous even with loaded tires. The R4s always felt rock solid... Time will tell on the R14s.

I was considering a new tractor/backhoe last fall. I was up in the air on R14 vs R4 tires. Then I came to my senses, and realized a used mini excavator would be a better choice for me. So I shelved the idea of replacing my reliable B2910/B4690A backhoe with a new L2501/BH77 backhoe combo.

In the meantime, after seriously thinking about R14 tires, I also concluded that if I were to buy a new tractor, I would stick with the R4 industrial tires...just seems they are more robust. And I am not in mud much/most of the time...

edit: The mini ex is a world of difference from a tractor backhoe...I never sell tools, but at some point may sell the tractor backhoe...The mini ex is that much better...AND it is sitting there ready to go, no need to spend time installing and removing the backhoe from the tractor!

 

[GaltsGulch]

A shiny new BX23S was just delivered today and it came with filled r14 tires from the dealer. I also have a BX2380 with non filled r4 tires. After using it all afternoon I will probably be switching the r14’s to r4’s. I realize the two tractors are going to handle differently given the BH on the 23s but to me it feels like I am driving on a waterbed. I think tomorrow I am going to fill the r4’s and switch them with the r14’s and see if the tractor feels any more stable.
One other note the r14’s seem to leave a lot of the rim exposed where the r4’s have much better rim protection on them.


Weekend Update:
So I loaded the R4’s with about 11.5 gallons of RV antifreeze (probably could have held slightly more but that was all Tractor Supply had) and switched them onto the BX23S. First thing the waterbed squishy feeling was completely gone. I do think the R14’s had a bit better bite when doing loader work. They would bog the HST down and not spin where the R4’s would break loose and spin when pushing the loader into a pile of dirt. With the R14’s on the BX2380 which is currently setup as a lawn mower only, no weight on the rear and no loader the R14’s didn’t have that squishy waterbed feeling at all. For me the trade off in traction versus stability will have me keeping the R4’s on the 23S for the time being.

This is how much rim sticks out on the R14’s in the front. The rears are flush but not as well protected as the R4’s.

 

[RichOzz]

I ordered the r14s with my new l2501.. they look good and are smoother on concrete then the r4 tires my bx23s had.

Only have 3.2 hours on the l2501 so cant really say how well they perform.. once I start grading my property in the rainy season I'll have some feedback

I am expecting delivery soon on an L2501 with R14 tires. Since my land slopes quite a bit I have plans to widen the stance of the rear tires. My question is: do the rims on the L2501 with R14's have adjustability or must I add wheel spacers?

 

[RichOzz]

I have the R14 tires and have had no issues with them keeping traction. I have been in muddy conditions and doing land grading. I have had R1 tires before and had a few more issues.
Hope this helps.

My L2501 will be arriving soon. As my land slopes quite a bit I am interested in widening the stance. My question is: Are the rims on the L2501 with R14's adjustable or must I add spacers to widen the stance?

 

[NvRudder]

My L2501 will be arriving soon. As my land slopes quite a bit I am interested in widening the stance. My question is: Are the rims on the L2501 with R14's adjustable or must I add spacers to widen the stance?

My L2501DT (delivered Nov '21) has R14 wheelsets that are not adjustable...

Did use it in very deep snow with rear snow blower this winter...traction was great. Honestly don't think I need spacers & chains.

 

[B737]

are R14 tires the same ply as R4s? are they more susceptible to punctures, or the same?

 

[RalphVa]

All the B2601s at Winchester Equipment had R14Ts. Went with them despite having had ZERO tire problems with R4s on the last 2 JDs since 2013. The R14Ts have more bite on turns. R14s skid sideways. Close to same bite to/fro.

More comfortable ride because inflation pressure is lower. From reading others' post about R4s, I think I may have been running too high pressure in the rears. Think I had them at 32-35 psi. The R14s are at 25 psi and think they were 20 psi when delivered. May take them back down to that in the rear.

To me, R14Ts are more like R34s. Hope they have the toughness of R4s. Had gobs of front tire problems with the 1st JD's R3s.

 

[itguy]

A shiny new BX23S was just delivered today and it came with filled r14 tires from the dealer. I also have a BX2380 with non filled r4 tires. After using it all afternoon I will probably be switching the r14’s to r4’s. I realize the two tractors are going to handle differently given the BH on the 23s but to me it feels like I am driving on a waterbed. I think tomorrow I am going to fill the r4’s and switch them with the r14’s and see if the tractor feels any more stable.
One other note the r14’s seem to leave a lot of the rim exposed where the r4’s have much better rim protection on them.


Weekend Update:
So I loaded the R4’s with about 11.5 gallons of RV antifreeze (probably could have held slightly more but that was all Tractor Supply had) and switched them onto the BX23S. First thing the waterbed squishy feeling was completely gone. I do think the R14’s had a bit better bite when doing loader work. They would bog the HST down and not spin where the R4’s would break loose and spin when pushing the loader into a pile of dirt. With the R14’s on the BX2380 which is currently setup as a lawn mower only, no weight on the rear and no loader the R14’s didn’t have that squishy waterbed feeling at all. For me the trade off in traction versus stability will have me keeping the R4’s on the 23S for the time being.

This is how much rim sticks out on the R14’s in the front. The rears are flush but not as well protected as the R4’s.

Hi,
Wondering if you have anything further to share about the R14 vs R4 on the BX23S now that you've had your tractor/tires for a year?

I also have the BX23S and was thinking of upgrading to the R14 but your comment about the R4's being more stable is possibly a reason not to.

Thanks,
Kirk

 

[TheShadyKubota]

Hi,
Wondering if you have anything further to share about the R14 vs R4 on the BX23S now that you've had your tractor/tires for a year?

I also have the BX23S and was thinking of upgrading to the R14 but your comment about the R4's being more stable is possibly a reason not to.

Thanks,
Kirk

I’ve had my R14’s on my BX for a month. Granted I’ve only used the tractor so far for snow removal I’ve had no complaints. My neighbour bought an 1880 w/ Turfs and I’m looking forward to see the comparison.

 

[itguy]

I’ve had my R14’s on my BX for a month. Granted I’ve only used the tractor so far for snow removal I’ve had no complaints. My neighbour bought an 1880 w/ Turfs and I’m looking forward to see the comparison.

I decided to go with the R14's, my dealer had a full set already mounted. I installed the rears which are an improvement over the tires I had, but still thinking about the fronts, my current tires have a larger footprint and they're 8 ply.

 

[arml]

After reading very informative posts here, I was on the fence between R4 or R14 thread. Well, I called my dealer and, talked to the parts pro, he said do the R14 tire. He then threw a price at me, Last set he had before the price increase .................

four new tires and rims for my BX 2200....ready for this....$538. out the door. Needless to say, I told him I'm on my way. I thought it a great deal. Tires sure look good, I hope they work as well.