Tested | Surprising traction differences between R4 \\ R14 \\ Bar-Turf

[dougmapper]

I live on 10 acres of pure clay. Anything but R1 tires become racing slicks after about 2 revolutions. Turf tires would give me the best pulling power, but that would drop to basically zero the instant they got packed up. Excellent info!

[markpontes]

In snow they say you want bitting edges that's why they have a lot of wipes they equal bitting edges that bar turf has a lot of bitting edges but once you spin them in muddy conditions if there's not enough space between the edges they will fill up then will act like a bald tire. That's why farms use R1 there is so much space between the edges they empty out and there is more weight of dirt between bites to push against and will penetrate deeper with bigger lugs. So if you do this test in a freshly tilled field or muddy field the other 2 tires will shine. But on turf turf based tires do there job because soil isn't soft enough for the big lugs to sink in to get there bite. My 2 cents anyway Love the Vids. 🤔

[wickedcoyote]

The less aggressive tires will perform better until they load up with mud, then the more aggressive and better self clearing treads will show their worth.

[acvfdfireman]

I had these bar turf tires on my first B series back in 1998. I loved them then and still love them now. You can plow snow and gardens as well mow residential grass without tearing up turf.

[Lanninglongarmmowing]

I would love to see what the R1 Ags can do.

[mikebailes]

Hi Neil, Really appreciate the "scientific method" in this demo. However, this test would be great if the R1 Ag tires were included. Thanks much!

[milesup]

Another very important point in regards to R4 vs the new-ish R14 is that the load rating of the front tires are 250lbs more (each) for the R4 vs the R14. If you are doing loader work, this would be important, well, at least it is for me.

[concernedpatriot]

I USE A SIPING TOOL ON ALL MY TIRES ! Siping was invented by a American sailor because he was sick of slipping on wet decks. Sipping is done by putting many slits into the rubber. I found a siping tool on line that holds a dozen utility blades so it’s able to easily sipe tires. My friend had bald tires on his plow truck and he was so surprised how well it worked.

[Slider]

I know this is an old video but I've been involved in some similar tire testing and what we found was when the vehicle was relatively lighty loaded that narrow lugs (like the best performing tires in this video) consistently provide the best grip. We theorize this is because they are able to bite into the ground better.

With thick lugs, like the R4 tread, we found they need considerably more weight on them before they start to really work.

Most of my tractor work includes 1000+ pounds of ballast (my 1025R has all 4 tires filled plus I either have a 750 lb ballast box on or something of similar weight).

What I would very much appreciate is a similar tire testing video where at least an 800 lb 3-point hitch weight box was installed on every test and assurance that all of the tires are all filled the same way (either all with just air or preferably all with the same high density fill).

[Brad]

Interesting test, enjoy this type of content. Would love to see the R1 in the test also.

[briannelson]

In hard pack conditions the tire with the most biting edges on the ground at once should provide the most pull. It would have been interesting to of had a set of regular turf tire add for the test.
Another test that would be interesting is in tilled ground like a garden or food plot and test the three tires you tested today. I think you’ll get the results you expected today.

[RJx]

Interesting fact, the first and only tractor built years ago I ever seen the turf tires like the Kubota had on it was the Allis Chalmers 616/620 line of tractors back in 1968. So once again Allis Chalmers was 30+ years ahead

[Badassbowtie]

Well for light truck tires the less-agressive All-terrains will typically out perform a mud terrain in pretty much every condition and terrain with the exception of deep thick mud or rock crawling, so honestly I'm not surprised that the A/T of the tractor world holds it's own.

[lights]

I only use turf tires on my 4 wheel drive Kubota GR2110 for plowing snow in the winter. I never have traction problems. This shocked me as, many people told me you need ag tires. Just not true in all cases. These tires stay on 365 days a years.

[splitdoctor]

Air pressure plays a MAJOR role on traction & ride ability!

[beepchirpwhirr]

I know you tested the R4's for turf damage - it would be really neat to see the same comparison with the R14s and maybe even the bar/turf tires.

[zebulenriley]

Those bar/turf tires are excellent. Have had them on a B2400 and B2920. Nothing compares traction wise. Wish they made bigger ones.

[cogentdynamics]

Tire pressure seems like an important component here.

[DIYMyWay]

Interesting experiment! I have R4s on my L3901 and they have performed very well for my needs on my property.

[joshblick]

The bar turfs get better traction because of less material in the center. The almost solid middles of the R4 and R14 allow them to "float" and don't allow them to dig in.