TESTED | Turf Tires VS. R4 Tires (Kubota BX23s)

[xplmr]

I've loved R4's since back when I had my little BX2350. I still run them but now it's on my B3350HSDC with the 72" belly mower and I must say they are great when I use the backhoe but when I mow, I really have to be careful because in tight turns on damp lawn the slightest wheel slip (which happens often with the heavy cab when I mow over uneven mounds in the yard) they'll dig a hole instantly or at least leave marks like a sand paddle just went over the grass. I make a lot of three point turns when mowing to save the lawn from my R4's during tight turns when it's damp. When it's dry though, there is no problem at all with the R4's on the lawn. Just offering my experiences.

[drewsiebert]

Thanks! I'd be interested to see the results on wet grass and in mud. In both cases I think the R4 will make a bigger difference than this case... even in high range I suspect.

[TERRORoftheLORD]

Cool test, however... you let the turf tires break lose before you engaged the dif lock, the started with the dif lock on the R4s, I would say that is unfair to the turf tires unless you move the tractor to a fresh patch of grass, then engage the dif lock and try it again. ;)

[dwoodog]

Thanks for all the great videos. Professionally done and very informative. I'm binge watching a ton of them.

[jimwilloughby]

Part of my wish list for a B 3350 is a set of R4 tires, ballast box, and wheel weights. I've always thought the R4 tires were better than turfs, and I have no need for ag tires. Thanks Neil for confirming my thoughts.

[mrglock]

I have the same tractor with a 60" mower and I mow my yard without any issues or damage to grass. I highly recommend r4 tires

[GPOutdoors]

Good video Neal. What would be really great for us is if you put this test back on your list for winter snow conditions and did it again but with a good snow surface come winter. That would be really helpful come winter. Cheers!

[MilesPittman]

Dude, you guys are heaven sent for tractor owners. Where are y’all located? If it’s not too far I’d love to buy a tractor from y’all based on this wonderful library of videos. I’ve learned more about tractors from y’alls videos than anything.

[chrisbrunton]

Great Job Neil, I work for kubota in Ontario, Canada I find all your videos very useful keep doing what you do brother .

[andyc]

As always, I love your videos. However, I agree with the other reviews. By the time you engaged the differential lock with the turf tire test, you already created small ruts by the tires that spun out, so I do not think there would have been as much of a difference in the test if you done both tractors with the defferential lock either engaged or unengaged. Depite your slightly unfair test, there was still very little diffence between the two types of tires. My dad chose the R4 tires option since he has a lot steeper yard to mow. Since I do all of his mowing, I find that my turf tires do not leave the deep cleat marks in softer ground that his R4 tires leave. Moreover, I find when my turf tires spin, his R4 tires spin also. The difference is the turf tires spins up the grass a little. When his R4 tires spin, it takes big hunks out of the ground. When the ground dries, I use my turf tire as a lawn roller to flatten the rut back out. If it is bad, I have to use my buket first to level the rut back out. I do the same thing with dad's tractor, but it leaves those deep cleat marks when finished. I personally just do not see any advntage of the R4 tires (maybe on larger tractors). The R4 tires do not hurt anything on harder ground though. I think it would be interesting to do the same test on softer ground and move the tractors to see the damage done to the turf with both types of tires.

[MichaelMasone-zx]

Neil, love the videos... Looking to configure a BX23S I've owned quite a few BXs starting from the 2200 have recycled them every five years to help 3 of my nephews get started with Kubota’s. Instead of Trading in sold to them @ a very reasonable price. My question, which tire selection R 4 or 14s, 90% of what I do is mow. 2 1/2 acres some bucket work BX23S plan is at least three stump removals and one 30 foot ditch. so your personal opinion, on which tires to outfit the BX23S with?

[javabean]

Love to see the same test (with a higher capacity load cell) of the b2650, and including ag tires.

[medinajam]

Wow...thanks for another great video! So many great posts...I bought a bx23s with R4 tires - live in area that is hilly and gets lots of snow in winter...glad I made the right call.

[realtommchugh]

I switched from ag tires to R4's on my BX23s and it made a huge difference. Thanks for the official test!

[superbike]

Love the tutorials. Played a large part in our selection of tractor for our farm. Thank you. Keep up the amazing work. We purchased the L 2051 4wd

[wildbillc]

I've heard a lot of people mention the compact sized tractors don't have enough weight for many tasks. Like you I think with some added rear weight it would make a huge difference, especially with using them for loader work....and I think that's what many use their compact tractors for? At least around where I live the loader is the most common attachment. 4WD without the diff-lock would provide quite a bit of additional ground traction, and having the diff-lock option just adds to that and may keep you unstuck LOL.

[hphillips]

I know there is a big difference but 2vs4 wheel drive. This would help some of the old school people realize a 30hp 4x4 will do more than a 50hp 2 wheel drive. Thanks and good video 👍

[marclussier]

Hey Neil,
Thanks for another great video. I always look forward to seeing them. 🤠

[curtisrhoads]

I bought my BX23S with the R4 tires, but with continuously hauling heavy loads in the bucket, the front tires developed sidewall damage and blew out, even though they were always kept at recommended pressure. So, I went with 10ply skid steer tires of the same size. Have you heard of this causing issues with the front axle or knuckle?

[AStanton]

I have R-4's on a BX-25 and turfs on a B3030.  In my opinion, the R-4's are more suited if you are doing heavy loader work.  I also think, because the BX-25 is a light tractor, it's tougher to ding lawns, even with R-4's.