R14s - Closer to R1s or R4s in the field?

[Old_Paint]

My salesman is also an actual farmer since childhood. He isn't a big fan of the R14s but did make the point about the stiffer sidewalls and wider tread/more stability but shallower lugs.
He isn't pushing one over the other; most of the advice I have gathered here and elsewhere puts the R14s at about 70/30ish over the R1s.

Yeah, the jury's still out on how long they'll last. Mine will probably outlast me, though, as long as I don't cut one down on a stump or rock. It's a completely different tire from R1 ag tires (not quite as aggressive bars) or R4 Industrial Tires. Good traction, yet they don't chew up the yard. Not sure how Goodyear achieved that, but they done good. Well, my R14s are Goodyears, at least. No idea if anyone else is making them (yet).

Forgot to mention, that I got my LX2610SU with oversize tires as well anticipating a backhoe in its future. That little tractor is VERY stable and has a pretty massive footprint for a compact tractor. I say little tractor, but it's every bit the tractor of an old 8N or similar, and probably more HP. Not quite as heavy though, which was my reasoning for having the tires loaded. Weight is work on a tractor. The only downside of the oversize tires was that I had to change the lift-links on the lift arms so they had a little more travel. My BB wanted to be a little too close to the ground to hook up, and adding a quick hitch only made things worse.

 

[Brian H]

If you are doing any kind of regular field work in muddy, sandy or wet conditions there is no substitute for R1s. R14s still tend to plug up too much versus shedding mud like an R1. Also R1s will have more lbs/sq inch of weight due to their narrower profile.

 

[Keadog]

I can pretty much avoid muddy conditions since this is all "fun" work for me. No sandy soil; it's mostly nice (but a little rocky in spots) loam.

The dealer is going to put R14s on, so we'll see how it goes. Says they should be easier/faster to get than R1s (?), so it might be ready for delivery a little sooner. Still waiting on rear remote valves.

 

[RalphVa]

Liking the R14s on the B2601. They seem to have a tad better forward/reverse traction than the R4s I've had since 2013 and have A LOT more side grip. They don't seem to leave as deep marks in soft earth as the R4s did. Just hope they're as tough. Have had NO tire problems with R4s. Lots with front turfs on first tractor for 9 years. Never any problem on rears.

I'm thinking the R14s should be called R34s. They're more like a cross between R4 and R3 in the treads.

 

[kreuss]

I'm thinking the R14s should be called R34s. They're more like a cross between R4 and R3 in the treads.

My vote for R34s would be the Carlisle Versa Turf's and similar tires, they were designed to be a more aggressive R3. The R14s seem to be designed as a less aggressive R1, but many say they do good on lawns. Maybe R143?

 

[RalphVa]

Mine are Good Year.