You might initially feel confused when picking the right tires for your tractor, especially after you keep hearing about R4 and R1 and want some durable, high-quality tires.
Well, there are significant differences between each type of tire. The R4 and R1 are just examples of different tire designs. And from a distance, you might be unable to tell these differences.
If you are confused between R4 and R1, we will help you understand more about them. This comparison will discuss each type’s significant differences and characteristics.
So read on for more insight!
What are R4 Tires?
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R4 tires are more commonly known as industrial tires. This tire is mainly made to fit tractors working on hard ground. The tread of these tires is deeply barred and subdued. So, you might find some resemblance between them and the usual road tires.
However, an industrial tire is more versatile than a turf or a road tire. It has a moderately deep tread that can quickly free you from being stuck on the road. However, it is less powerful than an agricultural tire. The latter can handle dirt, mud, and softer ground without losing traction.
R4 tires are made to resist damage that some other tires won’t withstand, especially on gravel or asphalt surfaces. Yet again, it is not able to resist deep mud or snow. An R4 tire’s design and medium tread make it gentler on lawns.
So, it is safe to use on residential or commercial properties, as it is not very aggressive. Still, it needs careful handling to avoid unwanted accidents.
What are R1 Tires?
R1 tires are commonly known as “ag tires,” which is short for agricultural tires. The name explains the nature of these tires and the kind of projects they are used for. They are designed to address soft ground, such as agricultural fields. They have the deepest tread among all the relevant tractor tires.
In addition to their efficiency in handling muddy farming terrain, these tires are excellent at shedding snow. In addition to the deep tread, the design of an R1 tire has wide spaces between its lugs. Its curved angles are usually between 22 and 45 degrees.
Ag tires are the ones to use if you want a heavy-duty, ideal traction option even in the wettest fields. They provide excellent traction and are less likely to get stuck.
Despite their versatility, these tires are not made to conquer hard surfaces of gravel or asphalt. They are highly aggressive, too, so they can easily damage your property’s lawns.
What are the Differences between R4 and R1 Tires?
The R4 and R1 tires are ideal for fitting various tractors. Still, they won’t substitute for each other. Each one of them has different purposes and uses. They are also different in their overall shape and price.
1. Design
At first glance, you would believe the R4 and R1 tires’ shapes are identical. However, when you look closely, you will detect apparent design differences. For instance, R1 tires have the narrowest design among all the other tires.
This narrowness improves traction and keeps you from getting stuck in the mud. As for the tread depth, R4 tires are not as deep as R1 tires. The latter has the deepest tread. R1 tires have wider spaces between their lugs, whereas R4 tires have fewer curved angles.
2. Texture
When put into action, the R1 tires prove their ultimate bounciness. This bouncy design gives it more traction in sticky situations.
The R4 tires, on the other hand, are firmer and broader. Such firmness makes the R4 tires a safer option for adding extra weight to the tractor.
3. Uses
Generally, both types of tires can be used on hard surfaces. However, the R4 tires are better for regular surfaces or gravel grounds. The R1 tires, on the other hand, are made for farms and wet agricultural fields.
R4 tires are a less efficient option for shedding mud and snow. R1 tires, on the other hand, are an excellent option for this purpose.
4. Safety on lawns
You can call R4 and R1 tires aggressive. They do not, however, share the same level of aggression. The R1 tires are way more aggressive due to their increased traction. This is why they are unsafe to use on lawns or landscaped yards.
R4 tires are less aggressive, so they are safer on lawns. However, they are not as safe as road tires. So, you can use R4 tires on lawns, but with absolute caution.
5. Ability to carry weights
R1 tires are bouncy and narrow. So, they can’t tolerate heavy loads loaded on the tractor. The R4 tires can support extra weight on the tractor. It is risky to use r1 tires when there is a lot of weight on your tractor.
6. Matching vehicles
Both tires can be a good fit for various tractors and vehicles. However, the R4 or industrial tires are more suitable as implements for forklifts or front-end loaders.
R1 tires, on the other hand, are more suitable for farming backhoes and snow blowers.
7. Durability
When it comes to durability, R4 tires beat R1 tires. This is due to their wide and firm design. Also, the fact that these are not made to be used on wet soil gives them more longevity.
Unlike the R1 tires, which are designed specifically for wet conditions, they are often used to cross muddy fields, resulting in a reduced lifespan.
8. Cost
In terms of cost, the purchase price is one of many factors. It would be best if you considered durability and multi-tasking factors. You will buy a pair of R4 tires with much more money than r1 tires. This is because R4 tires are considered more durable and made for a wider range of surfaces.
Generally, a single R4 tire can be over twice the price of a single R1 tire. However, you can use them for a longer period than r1 tires. The average cost for an R1 tire is between $40 and $260, whereas it ranges between $110 and $500 for a single R4 tire.
R4 vs R1 Tires: Are they the same?
No, R4 and R1 tires are not the same types of tractor tires. At first glance, they look very similar. However, their widths, angles, and trades are entirely different. Additionally, their uses are different.
While you can use R4 and R1 on hard ground, R4 will perform better on asphalt, gravel, and concrete. R1 tires are ideal for farming and snow-shedding purposes.
Regarding shape and texture, R4 tires are wider and firmer, whereas R1 tires are narrower and bouncy. You can enjoy better traction with R1 tires but more aggressiveness simultaneously. So, it won’t stick to mud, but it will ruin a landscape.
R4 tires work best with front-end loaders, whereas R1 tires are ideal for use on backhoes. Regarding cost efficiency, R1 tires are cheaper but less durable or multi-purpose than the R4 design.
Lastly, the firm R4 tires can support additional weight on the tractors, while it is unsafe to do the same with R1 tires.
So depending on the nature of your business, the place you live, and the vehicle you drive, you can determine what kind of tires you will use. Either R4 or R1 is packed with numerous advantages. So, it is best to use each of them where it fits best.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
