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

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.

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.

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. ;)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Ideas for traction tests: BX vs B vs (the announced) LX vs L vs MX for a traction championship with R1, R3, R14T, R4? I mean, we're talking "Tractor Pr0n" anyway, right? :) Grade tests , vertical not across, with the different tires available? A snow/ice/slush test with the R14T over the coming winter?

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

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

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!

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.

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.

awesome test, exactly what i was looking for. however this exact test in snow would be even better; thats when most people start to have issues with traction. thanks !

This was very well done 👍. Could I ask for a comparison of the same setup with addition of an R2 tire and put all three setups in some mud? This is where the difference in the Turf, Industrial, and AG tire really shine.

Can we get an AG tire test?

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.

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

I have never had the R4 tires. I run ag tires on my L2501. My dealer told me that for my use that I wouldn't like the R4's. I have seen on You Tub e where guys have spied the R4's and they claim that it made a huge difference.

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

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 👍

I used to garden tractor pull and had better luck with turf tires than lug tires, on hard pack track of course. Thanks Neil!

Buying a tractor (L3301) from an Oregon Dealer this afternoon. Your videos were very informative and helped me decide Kubota was the right brand for us. I subscribed!

I’d also like to see a FEL test, but from typical load points like hooks on top of the bucket or Clevis hitch inside the bucket. All the manufacturers load test from the pivot point, but who lifts from that point honestly? Love your videos, and they are so informative.

Do a loader lift with the Load cell and see if the specs match up with that

I am looking to buy a tractor but my primary purpose is to cut the 5 acres i live on. U want to shorten my work load and am not sure what will work best.....tractor/zero turn. Can you do a grass cutting test based on speed and cut quality?

I hope kubota pays you for these great videos, you are responsible for at least 5 kubota sales that I know of..

You certainly know how to show/sell...i would buy...

Another great video. I have learned SO much from you guys.

Now that we have snow on the ground, can we see the same test with snow covered ground? I've gotten a lot of opinions but facts would be great. Plus when I buy my new B model, I'll know what I want. Thanks.

Have you ever done a backhoe lift test. I am looking for a small tractor to build a retaining wall if the how can pick them up an place them/.

Do the same test but with a BX2680 with some ballast since it doesn't have the backhoe. I've found I run out of traction long before I run out of capability with my BX2680...not enough weight, it'll spin all 4's in many cases before I really reach its limits....although better to spin the tires in some cases than possibly break things I guess LOL.

Excellent video, how about the same comparison on different surfaces like gravel and dirt. Thanks you for the education you provide in your videos. I recently bought a bx23s with R4’s and have had some traction problems on wet clay

This is the best tractor Channel. I would also like to see R4 tires tested against R1 tires. You need a bigger measuring stick 😁

Sorry I just saw that you did this test already, Great job Neal.

My turf tires do well in the snow. I expected the tread to pack, but it does not.

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?

Would like to see this type test with Ag Tires vs R4's in something like an MX or M5660. Even an L4701 or grand L would be interesting.

My last tractor had ag tires but my new Kubota B2650 has the R4s. I was worried that they may not be aggressive enough for working around the place but they haven't failed me yet.

"Take the parking brake off". That's the only complaint I have with my b7500. I wish there was a light to indicate when I have the parking brake on. I can clearly hear it's on except when I'm wearing hearing protection then not so much.😞. A light for when the engine temp gets high would be a nice addition too.

Interesting test with expected results. What you should test is how the grass handles the different tires while driving, turning, and towing. I use my tractor in our yard and notice that the R4 tires tend to put indents in the ground if I am turning or the tractor has any resistance to moving such as pulling. Do the turf tires "rip up" the grass less under normal circumstances. Obviously, the answer is yes but to what extent is the question.

What about tire durability? Is the R4 more resistant to rock damage?

Just picked up a new MX5800 w/ FEL and 3 sets of Kubota wheel weights. 1300lb rotary cutter on the back...will she lift a pallet with 2,000lbs out of the back of a pickup truck?

I would like to see how the AG tires do in this test, or some feedback on your thoughts on AG tires.

What does NOT get good traction on flat and dry ground? Thanks for the test, but someone on the fence about which tire to choose is obviously going to be doing more than using their machine as a lawn mower on only the driest of days. They are going to be using it to get some tilling/plowing/digging/grading done in loose soil...., but can they get the work done with turf tires, or not?

You lost traction before locking the dif on the turf tires leaving slick ground under the tires. But did not do the same on the r4 tires. The result may be the same who knows. But the buyer for turf tires probably is not using for heavy-duty work. I have turf tires on my BX2670 I use it to cut grass and with a box blade maintain a 1000ft gravel driveway. I do plan on getting a front end loader attachment and when I do I'll be ordering new tires and wheels r4 of course. :-) p.s. my turf tires never slip even on gravel I just go slow.

Would have liked to see a test of a couple of machines with each tire. There’s enough variation in builds even on an assembly line the tranny pressures on new machines may not be the same just because of lack of wear-in or any number of variants. But over all nice test.

How does the ride compare between the Turf and R4s? I have a B3350 with R4s that has a very rough ride. Air pressures at minimum, liquid in the rears. It is a mowing tractor. I live in the sand-hills and need the extra traction. I run a Land Pride FDR 1672 and RCR 1260 with it.

Maybe do the same test next time it snows. Some people claim turf tires are better in snow then the R4's. I only have R4's, so i don't really know.

Same test but instead of grass, do it in the winter time with a blower instead of a backhoe. My Kubota dealer tell me turf tire are better during winter months that R4

I'm curious to see where the pressure relief valve spring is set from one tractor to the next. If both tests were done exact same tractor, you might get different results, thanks for the video

You need to test r1 vs r4s. Great videos.

what about the Farm tires--are they a better fit if I only have dirt and no grass??? I'm leaning to R4 but have some slopes to go up

How about a tug o war 🙃

How about the ground compression between the 2 types of tires?can you do a satisfactory job cutting a finish lawn with the r4 tire? thanks for the great videos !

If you use a pully your loadcell vam meseur up to 6000 ponds, than you can get a proper number for the r4's

So I have a older b6200 with turf tires I was looking to find some agricultural tires so I can get better traction so my question is are their still tires available for my tractor and will the newer tractor rims with tires fit on my older tractor?

You can use a pulley on the tractor to reduce force on the load cell by 1/2 extending its useful load to 6k. Cable from load cell, through pulley on tractor, back to static mount near load cell......

I would love to see this done on a less ideal surface. Some mud or even snow. Also please include r1 tires. It would also be interesting to show the three options on a zero turn. As well as show how bad they tear up the grass.

Just curious as to what damage a test like this would do to the Hydrostatic Transmission. On a Manual shift that clutch would be screaming if it didnt stall the engine beforehand.

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?

This was interesting. My R4's aren't very good on snow and ice. And chains cost a lot.

No diff lock turf tires spun creating a slick area with plant juice. Should have done the same thing with the other tractor.

Thanks for what you do Neil.

I would love to see this test with the b2401

Not an issue for the load cell but is there a way to drop the three point without dropping the mower deck on a bx23s

Do the same test on different surfaces such as asphalt, snow with no ice ,glare ice and hard-packed dirt or gravel

Can you do some snow tests? I ordered an 1880 with a front blower and the kick ass tires.

I got a jd4200 with loader and turf tires and I like them only thing that I don’t like is the service from my John Deere dealership AHW

i noticed that when you had the turf tires and spun them the first time, when you did the test with the diff lock on and turf tires they spun right away. i think due to the spinning the first time on the grass and getting those 2 tires in the dirt skewed the results a little. i think you'd have gotten a little different result, maybe not that much but still different. also, i noticed in one of your videos talking about hydro transmissions (you were talking about using a loader) and the slower speed on the pedal was like putting a manual in 1st gear and that you shouldn't press to higher speed because it reduces torque (while scooping into a pile). i noticed you were going all the way (fast, forward) with this test. is there an advantage going all the way forward?

I’d like to borrow your load cell to weigh my old lady but I saw where it maxed out.

Turf tire diff lock test invalid after wheel spin, need fresh grass. After spinning tires you are ripping grass apart and releasing the fluids in the grass. I called the diff lock not giving a higher reading as soon as I saw you didn't move the tractor.

You should do this test without all the ballast. That would be interesting!

next time can you test it in the snow?

I'd like to see this same test done on snow. Like to see which tires have more traction on it.

maybe You can compare other tractor Brands that way . Nice Videos.

Loader lift test with the chain at different legths to see what the lifting power is with the arms all the way up vs all the way down

Test ride quality on bx 2380 with valve kit and 60" mower between turf tires and industrial lug tires. I have 1 with turf tires and it is a bouncy ride. Will r4 tires make a difference in ride quality? Lot different between b 2601 ride with turf tires and bx 2380.

Great job once again Neil!

GREAT test Neil!

Would it be possible to do the same test under a variety of conditions. Ideally compare 3 types of tyres.

can you do a video on breaking a rusted clutch loose.

It was never going to be good starting in high range. Restarting the turf test in the same spot meant starting on a slipperier spot. B for effort, though.

And do the same test compared to the competitor machine I want to see which machine can put more power to the ground maybe a competitor machine will break the tires loose just a thought

Repeat test on tractor only or with just a mower

I like my turf tries on my jd 420 HST tractor with the loader

Great job Neal!

how do they compare on ice or packed snow ?

First off, IMHO, R4's are like a jack of a trades, certainly master of none. They are terrible in snow, a turf works exactly like a modern day snow tire. They are terrible in mud and soft soil as they don't self clean, or bite nearly as well as an R1, and they still tear up your lawn. That being said, I would like to see this test redone using the locker right off the bat with the turfs, once you spun the tires, you loaded them up with grass, and disturbed the soil under them. I would love to see a comparision between brands and between models. I.E. Bx23 vs B2301. Bx vs GC vs Emax, etc. My B6100 has WAY more power than traction, even at 14hp.. It will spin the tires in 2nd gear high range at half throttle..

How much the loader can actually lift at different rpms.

Niel, are you familiar with the T3+ tires or can you test them to.. (Galaxy Garden Pro or similar) Nice to see your not only saying that but exualy showing it

Bigger load cell! Ag vs r4! Yay engineering!

Great Video!

Love all your vids neil

In the high range test, if neither set of tires broke loose, the turf tires should have had a slight advantage as (I believe) their diameter is less, yet that didn't happen. I think tractor #2 has better power.

Another great video..........as usual!

wow the little guy got some pull

Turf tires in 4wd mowing have plenty of traction. If you’re slipping you shouldn’t be mowing. Turf tires tear up less turf. R4 tires are bell on a yard if in 4wd. You gotta slow down on turns more. Good test. I have R4 on mine because I do work besides mowing and if I tear up some yard so be it.