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Yeah, turf tires are far and away the best tire in the majority of snow conditions. Anything else is a compromise, but most people have to compromise when it comes to tractor tires though.
Another reason why turf tires punch above their weight is that it is well accepted in the auto world that snow on snow traction is often better than rubber on snow, particularly at colder temps. Since turf tires tend to not be self-cleaning and hold snow in the tread, this actually increases traction in many conditions, particularly in cold snow that isn’t that deep. ua-cam.com/video/wUxo2KmO4OI/v-deo.htmlsi=eGUp9FmQk3EPlEJa
Liquid verses frozen water on your tread makes a big difference for similar reasons. When clearing roadside parking spaces with packed snow base, if my Ag tires get wet from the melt water in the gutter my tractor will break traction and side into the curb. I could spin my tires all day and go nowhere, but if I stop the tires rotating for 4 - 5 seconds, the water will usually refreeze on the exposed tread and she will regain traction and come out easily.
There's more to tires than tread pattern. If you consider winter tires for the road, they're formulated with a softer rubber for improved traction on ice. The rubber on the R4 is very hard for long wear on hard surfaces. It turns rock hard at freezing temperatures. Very slippery on ice.
I've moved a bunch of snow, growing up in Michigan. Almost always using a truck with a plow, not a tractor. The rule was to always use a tall, narrow, snow tire. This did a couple things. More weight per square inch, to prevent slipping, and less bogging down in deep snow. The tractor ran R1's (R4 and R14 didn't exist) and the plows ran tall and narrow. So my pick would be the R1's for the tractor.
I run AG tires with chains on rear on my JD 855 with a blower. It's a mountain cabin so driveway is long, steep and unpaved. This setup has always got it done and with there being so much snow there's always ice underneath which no tire will help with that's where chains do the most work.
I grew up on a farm in an area of higher snowfall. There is no comparison between the R3s and the R1s or R4s….the R3s exceed both the R1s and R4s. Even the R14s can’t compare to R3s in a good snowfall when it comes to traction. The turfs are truly tractor snow tires!
We get around 70” of snowfall a year. Last year we used 2 1025r’s with 54” snow blowers on the versa treads and they did well except for on the steepest driveways. We also used a John Deere rear steer machine not sure of the model, but I drove it during several storms and it did really well with just the turf tires on the same driveways.
I have the turf tires on my 1025R here in Maine. My neighbor has the same tractor with the R14 tires and there is no comparison. Even with chains my turf tire work better. We get a lot of snow in Maine and I have never even needed to use 4 wheel drive using a 47 inch blower. I think with slippery snow and ice the more tire you have in contact with the ground the better. My view based on experience with my tractor.
Only place I've seen r 14 tires is UA-cam, so I have no experience with them. R1 ag tires are made for digging in dirt. Digging in snow they're not as effective but still work. Ice however is a completely different thing. There you want a tire with the most rubber contacting the ground. R1's are pretty helpless in that environment. I can honestly see R14's working in both conditions. Sort of a jack of all trades but a master of none. I wouldn't mind trying them on a smaller tractor.
Wise statement. That is how it works in cyclocross (autumn/winter bike racing). Ag style tires are used when it's muddy. But when the ice and snow come out a lot of guys use their dry weather tires with a much finer tread pattern. Tire pressures also make a huge difference depending on the conditions.
Beet juice or a good set of chains and the R1's are unstoppable in my experience. The state of the tread makes the choice of which direction you go... New tread with good lugs either will work great but the chains don't ride for crape so Beet juice in my opinion is the way to go with fresh rubber, once they are worn down some chains are the answer...
John Deere 3046 with R3 in my opinion, they work better because of the soft tread compound is a little more forgiving and makes better contact on slippery surfaces. Maybe not as aggressive and slushy types snow. Question for debate, front chains, or rear chains.?
I’ve used all four styles of tread and have experience in Ag, construction, ground maintenance, and snow removal. Here’s my take. R4 Industrial / Float tires are easy on job sites by utilizing tight lugs in the center to make a flattish center strip. The center strip floats the tire minimizing dig, lessening damage to surfaces or turning the lot into a mud pie when wet. However this works against you when moving snow as it significantly reduces the amount the tread engages the ground. I’ve used R1 Ag / Paddle lugs for a lot of snow removal. They are not my first choice but the tractors employed were primarily used for ground engaging work. They are better than the Industrials as the lugs are spread out and tall allowing more pounds per square inch (PSI) on the ground. They will get the job done but will cut up soft surfaces instantly requiring you to back drag over the work area. Side Note: Any tread / cleat that floats or spreads out the tractors load is going to work against you in snow. That’s why Ag tires will outperform bar tracks in snow. If setting up a tractor specifically to move snow, I would look at the R3 Turf and R14 Hybrid. The reason I say both is because there are very aggressive turf patterns and too aggressive Hybrids. A tight turf pattern is not going to work as it floats the tire in snow. A very aggressive hybrid may not have enough knobs / lugs which could reduce the performance down to a R1 Ag tire. There is a sweet spot, you want the most tread contacting the ground without significantly reducing PSI on the ground. The Goodyear R14 hybrid shown in the vid is a good proven mud / snow pattern. Callisle Versa Turf Is an example of a more knobby pattern. Anywhere between these patterns should perform well in snow.
For the R3s it all depends on the size of the tires. Smaller turfs, like garden tractors and sub compacts the gaps between the lugs are close vs the gaps between turfs on like a JD 2320 or larger. I've had a 2320, three 2520s, and a second gen 2032r and r3 ran circles around the r4 on snow. R3s were not loaded and the r4s were always loaded. On my current 2032r, I have the r14 and haven't had it in the snow yet.
A lot of people voted for the tire they have on their machine as it is the only thing they have experience with. (What kind of tire do most utility tractors come with) On a 3 and 4000 series machine I would take a turf tire all day long everyday over the r4 tire I got on my new one. R4 tires are borderline useless. I rank them dead last. Wish I went turf tires again. For me 1- r14 2-turf 3-R1 4-r4
I think that a lot of people voted for a specific tire without actually having first-hand knowledge. R-3's are a great snow tire. I would have put them first, but have never used an R14, so I couldn't make an INFORMED opinion on them. And in all reality, R14's haven't been out that long, so I'd be surprised if "that many people" have first-hand knowledge about them. If you look at any of the LARGE residential snow removal companies in Canada that do HOA developments with inverted snow blowers, they ALL use R3 tires. They may be getting into the R14's now, but for the last 10 years they've been using R3's and there's a reason for that.
I had a 10,000 pound machine with R4s, it didn't move as much snow as my 4,000 pound machine with R14s. When it comes to snow, traction makes the difference
I have turf tires on my ck25 and I wouldn't trade them for any of the other tread designs except maybe r14's. I move a lot of snow as I live in west central mn and my turf tires work very well.
There is a lot that goes into this question like what is the surface under the snow, is the tractor in the snow or on the already cleared ground. Either way r4 is the worst. R1 might be best if the tractor is in deep snow pulling. R3 best if using a snow pusher on pavement. I would bet many people that voted don’t live in snowy areas so that’s why your results are off
It would be interesting to know how many people voted, yet have no other frames of reference. A lot of us small tractor guys only have reference for the set of tires on our tractors. I have R3's and they were better than the industrial tires on my previous tractor. That's all I can comment on though.
I have 2025r TLB. My driveway is 700 ft long with 20% grade and two switchbacks. I push snow uphill with R4s and haven’t had an issues. Last storm we got last year here in New Hampshire was 3 feet of snow too.
Seeing again your grooving of the tires I would question if instead of following the contour of the tread, go multiple chevron or passes along those treads. Sort of perpendicular instead of horizontal (if that makes sense). I’m stuck with R4 but we don’t get a ton of snow so it really doesn’t matter much to me. I agree with one poster, never enough ballast!
You know what they say about opinions. You have a good many tractors with probably all 4 types of tires. How about pushing some snow with the same snow pusher in the same conditions for a real comparison of tire types?
I'd need the exact same tractor with all four patterns...a big, wide open parking lot, same ballast weight, etc. That would be a very expensive and incredibly time consuming test. Doubt it'll happen.
My son has a great saying for situations like this "not with that attitude" So without a simple comparison we'll only have opinions which serve nobody. I think a little explanation about not have exact tractors would get you by. You've been pretty creative in the past.@@GoodWorksTractors
Snow and ice are 2 different things. I ran ag tires on 7 tractors for many years. In mud and snow those ag tires push material out to the side like crazy which is why they were made with such steep angles. In ice, they don't do well. I would use chains if I was dealing with ice.
In Eastern Canada, Nokian TRI or Titans snow tire is the best option, even on larger construction machines, we get easily 130" of all types of snow and sleet
In the past 2 years, I've replaced the original (OEM style r1) tires and rims with Carlisle (r14) VersaTreads on my x748. On my old 2-wheel drive 430, I had r1 tires and they worked good - WITH chains on the drive axle. The x748, WITHOUT tire chains (before I replaced the tires/wheels) outperformed that old 430 (with chains). I'm curious to see how the x748 works, with these new tires, in snow, as compared to the 430 and x748 with the OEM style r1 tires. I have to say that the r14s are harder on turf than the r1s were, but I'm willing to compromise!
REMEMBER: The Subject here is ''SNOW" Traction! Not "Dirt or Dirt and Sones" mixed in!` I'm still (9-4-24) in the process of buying a New 1025R w/bucket and hoe but no mower deck! Therefore, seeing this is very timely for me. My Salesman recommends RR3 RadialTurf Industrial (rear). I'm 75 now but I used to work at a Tire Dealership back in 71 at the very beginning of Raidial tires. "Radial" turned out to be almost a "magic" word and reputation in traction. Radial over bias is a great Investment. Chose your tire seller carefully as for standing behind their Product, since any Tire brand can have lemons! This "R14/Versa Turf/Hybrid" is NEW to me but seems close to my so far #1 choice of ''RR3 RadialTurf Industrial")
I have personally tested on my tractor, in snow and ice conditions R1 and R3 (turf) tires. The R1 ag lug tires are garbage in the snow and on ice compared to turf tires. I tested identical ballast on each tire, and I tried both tires with chains too, all of the same tractor. The R1 ag tires couldn't reverse to save their lives, the lug is designed for specific forward traction and cleaning. The turf grips the snow and ice much better forward and backwards. Weight was far more effective on the turf tires for improving traction, and chains performed much better on the turf tires. Yes, I used the special chains for AG tires when I did this test. The AG tires were designed to dig into the soft soil for traction, this is something snow and ice does not allow. When possible I run Turf or advanced turf tread for snow/ ice with a tractor.
Well said ag is designed to dig to get traction which the opposite happens in snow is they dig down to the ice. R3 stays on top of the snow which has more traction and with snow packing in the tread snow on snow if actually pretty grippy (just like snow tires for autos) and get better traction
Not on your list but NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA TRI is what we use. We mow ditches and in the winter blow cul-de-sac's with a 5105M these tires have great grip on hills. The R14 hybrid would be my second choice I have them on my personal Kubota B2301 I do have to chain it once and a while.
I have the R14 Carlisle Versa Turf tires on my JD 1025R and they are incredible. Admittedly a little hard on the grass but fantastic on ice and snow. I have 680 pounds on the three point hitch as a weight and the tires have fantastic grip.
I have a small snow removal business in Upper Michigan. I run R3s. I have a Kioti 5510 with a 72" blower on front and a hydraulic offset, tilt and angle back blade. I have been running these tires for about seven years. Here is my opinion after about 2000 hours of use. This question has no correct answer for every winter condition. There is no single tractor tire I have used that is perfect for everything. In very deep snow over a foot, R1's would be slightly better as they can find bottom and thus traction better than anything else. However, I can say that in many storms of two feet or more, I have never gotten the tractor stuck where I did not hang up on the snow blower sub-frame. This situation would a problem with any tire. In lessor snow amounts, R3s will give a better ride and lots of "edges" to bite hard packed snow. On ice, they all stink. For the money, I don't see where R14s would add any advantage over R3's In terms of kick outs the R3s do pack up but they still work just fine. The lugs are large enough that snow squeezes out where necessary. As I mentioned, I can move under any conditions barring full ice. R4s are terrible in terms going forward or backwatd and so they are not a great choice with the exception of ride comfort as they are made for faster speeds (relative to a tractor) on good roads (not winter). What I would really like to discuss is stopping with each tire. As an operator that uses public roads, tractor tires are just downright dangerous in terms of stopping and lateral traction especially above 10 MPH. R1 - on hard packed roads, the lack tread blocks and limited tire/road contact make these tires very difficult to control during braking. I have seen many a tractor lose traction when slowing down and sail right into the intersection. Fortunately, when we are out, there tends to be less traffic. In terms of lateral traction, these tires provide almost no traction due to their design. At slow speeds they are fine but at higher speeds they are a danger to everyone on the road. R4 - Really? I'm not spending much time on these. Its a huge tire surface area on flat SLIPPERY hard rubber with very few edges to bite. Please don't run these on public roads in the Winter. I'm sure they are fine for your driveway but keep them at home. R14 - Better than R1s on hard pack snow because they have more edges to bite but they are still large blocks of smooth slippery rubber. Lateral traction would be better than both R1s and R4s but not by very much. I'll explain below with the R3s. R3 - Lots of blocks and lots of edges. These help with moving forward/backward and lateral traction (side to side). However, when you add up the surface area of all that slippery smooth rubber in contact with the frozen surface, it still a recipe for disaster when stopping on hard pack snow or ice. The number of biting tread blocks are probably why these tires are near impossible to get stuck with in snow. Of course, mud is another story. Still very very dangerous in my opinion when it comes to stopping under slippery conditions but slightly less so than the other tires I mentioned. I helped my self a few years back when I studded the tires. That made all the difference in world in terms of safely being able safely stop and with lateral traction on slippery roads. In the end... If you can get away with it, studs are the answer to safety when driving your tractor abound other motorists. Given the depth of tread and the strong contact with the road, studs would be perfect for R1s perhaps making them ultimate winter tire for types we discussed. If you run on the streets and can't stud your tires, there is another tire worth mentioning. Hakkapeliitta TRI (i'm sure there others out there as well) use a softer rubber compound with siping and blocks similar to the R3 turf tire. This design with softer rubber and siping would allow for more control on slippery surfaces. These tires are extremely expensive but may be worth the money when considering how much safer they would make the road for other motorists traveling with us on those snowy days and nights.
EMax 20 with front mount snowblower. 175 ft paved driveway. All uphill from street. Vermont winters. Tractor came with industrial tread. Zero problems removing snow after 3 yrs. Nothing to compare to as I haven’t tried other treads. Unless there is a scientific way to compare who really knows?
Ive been pushing snow commercially feeding my family for 20 years. Tall and skinny and softer compound will ABSOLUTELY win every time... Many skid loaders will switch over to E rated truck tires with snow versatility.. So... A loaded turf tire that isnt super wide would be better in my opinion... Snow wolf makes a SUPERIOR skid steer tire... But... Just check out the tread pattern.. Old school truck tire with soft compound..
R1 would be b we tter with no chains. Any are better with chains. The r14 may bebetter for doing commercial plowing on pavement without chains. Where we are farm type plowing (no pavement or concrete) chains are a must. When we get 5 or more inches or a very wet snow you cant do much without chains. Hill ground also make a must have. You gave a good explaination. Lower air pressure in most conditions help gain traction.
I owned a 1025R with turf tires. I had very good success with the turf tires when pushing snow. My JD X590 has turf on the front and HDAP on the rear. Also have good traction in snow as well. I have a concrete driveway.
I own a John Deere with R3 and a Yanmar with R4. The R3 does great in the snow. I think the tire's profile plays a big roll. The R3 are softer and seem to "float", they spread the weight out and have a larger contact footprint. The thread of the R3 grips the snow, VS the R4 which scoops or digs in the snow. The snow we get in Virginia is not as intense as up north so understand this is just my experience.
I have AG and R4s for my 32hp Kubota We have no pavement within 10 miles. My R4s have been stored for 8 yearsnow. Our 50 hp kubota has R4s and chains and is the go anywhere becauseof the chains. My first kubota had Turfs. Turfs are the best all round only because you can make cheap ladder chains in your backyard. I used chains on turfs 365 days a year. If your running on pavement a lot then I can see were the hybrid tires would work as we can't use top gear with the50hp and chains. We now have a kubota M6 141 with AG 12ft blade and92 in pull behind blower. We are only plowing our own driveways with steep hills. The M6 has 36in diax5 in steel weights, 2000 lb blower and loaded tires. Just waiting on some snow to see how it works.
I had a L3400 with what you are calling R3 (the lug but not ag) and couldnt do much in heavy or deep snow without chains. I do realize most of your followers are probably in incline country or have as much area to plow as we do.
Not all snow is created equal. If you are talking hard packed snow, I’d probably lean towards turn tires or the R14 hybrid. If you are talking two feet of heavy wet snow, I’d go with the Ag style tires. I don’t there is a type of snow that favors the R4. I also favor narrow tires for snow, just the opposite of what you want for sand or soft ground. Generally snow responds better high pressure loading on the tires.
2032R located in Minnesota. I plow two commercial buildings and my house, all asphalt surfaces, and turf tires are my choice. R1 Ag tires would be terrible for my application.
It should be : Hybrid - Turf - Ag- R4. Those who selected R4 are people who have never tried anything else. Very poor tire for snow, and for anything for that matter except hard ground. I still don't understand why folks choose almost always R4
Hi, I have a JD x495 garden tractor, always used turff tires with chains for blowing snow with the 47 inch 2 stage blower. I switched to the Versa turf tires in the back, 26 by 12 12, don't use chains anymore. That is hands down the best tire for snow traction. I just did a front tire wheel conversion from a solid rim 18 by 8.5 8 to a 5 lug 18 by 8.5 10 with now versa turf on the front. I had a problem steering the tractor with the blower down with the turf tires as the turf lugs would get so much snow and the tractor would just push forward unless raising the blower or driving very slow. I have not had any snow yet, warm spell here in wisconsin but I know the versa turf will shed snow better and steer better. My vote, improve the tractor traction and go versa turf. Reason for the conversion? they do not make the versa turf in the 18 by 8.5 by 8. I had to go to the 18 by 8.5 by 10. wasn't cheap but worth it for me. I didn't care for what was out there tire size in the 8 inch rim size.
We get a decent amount of snow here in SS Marie, Ontario and I’ve never had any problems getting around in my Kubota BX2380 with turf tires. I’ve had to drive through 10-12” of snow and had no issues with traction. The more tread face on the ground the better the traction will be and those Ag tires like my old BF Goodrich Mud terrain tires are terrible in packed snow. The tires on my F150 are Nokia studded winter tires and they are very much like my turf tire on the Kubota. That said I wouldn’t want to use turf tires in muddy situations.
WolfPaws are the best tier out there for small tractor or skid steer. Unfortunately they are expensive and require separate rims. Ran the turf tires on a 2 series deer and a set of chains really helped.
R4's, industrial tires, are just that....used on industrial equipment. They are designed to be very rigid, hard and can handle heavy loads. They will last the longest when constantly driving on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc) with heavy loads. I have a back hoe that weighs 13,500 lbs. The R4's suck for traction. The only traction they do get comes from all the weight that smashes them to the ground. They load up easy and but don't clean out well. They are what they are-designed for longevity and to take a load. Ag tires are a little better but only by a little. My jd2020 diesel with ag tires is ok until you get on very hard packed down snow on frozen ground or on ice; then it's like having a racing slick. Once again if your tractor weighs 8, 10 or 12k pounds or more they would probably do better due to the sheer weight smashing them to the ground.
Nokians are the best available, BUT I gotta say, the turf tire is probably the next best on a compact. I have both a 16 4066r with turf tires and a 20 with nokians, the turf tires in the same storm keep up just fine, just not quite as good, way better than industrial and ag... Never used r14.
Which tire is best in snow and ice is such a “loaded” question! Part of the problem at least up here in the Great White North is the wide variation of snow and ice conditions not only from day to day but sometimes hour to hour, for example fresh dry snow on sheer ice on a steep slope you’re not going up it no matter which tires you have on, wait a few hours with cold enough temperatures so the snow sticks/freezes to ice and up you go with R4’s! In my opinion tire selection will at best help to “get by”, to guarantee traction you need a good set of ice chains!
Having driven and used a Kubota to push snow from my parents long, hilly, asphalt drive when I was a kid... I can say with a good degree of certianity that Ag tires are not that great. That said, when I purchased my newest Kubota this past summer (2023), I once again went with the Ag option. They excel on the other surfcaces/ground types that I operate on.
I know with the smaller machines I use ( older Cub cadets that broader line on sub compact like my 982 and 1782) the turf tires with chains will out do a set of R1 ag's when working in snow. I've thought about getting a set of R14 versa turfs for my one machine (cub 1782), it uses the same size tires as a JD 1025R but they are a costly investment specially up here in Canada.
A good question to determine experience is the number of hours one spends on heavy equipment. I had a neighbor who grew up around tractors and heavy equipment, worked 40 hours a week for years on heavy equipment; what he did with my tractor on hills I still won't do. So rating tires should be taken with a grain of salt, flat land, hilly, mountain land, and operator experiences all matter. I got a JD 3035D and had the dealer swap tires from R4 to R1, the salesman tried to change my mind but his Manager lives near me and knew the land better saying R1 is a good choice with clayish, hills. The type of snow also matters, no one around here could push 10" of sleet, that was incredible and thankfully a rare event.
Nokian Hakapalitta TRI are the best tires for commercial snow plowers of tractors and frontend loaders. You can get these as an option on John Deere in US and in Canada you can get them on both John Deere and Kubota. Your poll is only pulling non commercial tractor users. Your audience is one tractor guys. Come to Alaska and try out tractors and loaders with Nokian Hakapalitta TRI tires and you will see. Let me know when you're ready and we can make it happen. Chris Anchorage, AK
When I got my 2038R tractor, my only choice was R14s. The dealer told me when he got a set of turfs, he'd swap them. I spent one Maine winter with the R14s and was not impressed. In the spring, he got turfs and swapped them out. The turfs for snow removal were much better than the R14s. I liked the turfs much better, except when working in a wet field where the treads were filled with mud and became slicks. I bit the bullet a couple of years ago and bought Vera turfs. They are far and away the best all-around tire I've used.
Chains increase traction by 50% or more on any tire. So we shouldn't be picking tires for snow removal but chains. Pick your tires for what you do. Lots of things better to remove snow than a tractor. Though I do move snow with the loader if it pulls up too high. I'm 150 miles east in Lake effect. R4s. Never get stuck.
Never tried my lawn mower in snow, but with tractors 50hp and above the other vote results do not surprise me, except the R1 votes. R1 tires are by far the worst in snow, plus everything else except competition mud bogging. R1 tire owners are usually on constant patrol the tractor forums so maybe they missed the poll? The R14 votes are psychological..."get these so I feel better" after buying overpriced tires. A good analogy is talking to someone after they bought a sleep number bed.
I needed new tires for my 2009 John Deere X500 and this video sealed the deal for the Versa Turf. I love them! Even my John Deere dealer hopes they start installing Versa Turf on more tractors. Great video and you did not steer me wrong! Pun somewhat intended. Ish...
Late to the party here but my little Case DX24e wears R3 tires and a front mounted blower. For snow removal I'm convinced the tires are irrelevant (given the front mounted blower).
I wonder if people who voted in this pole don't actually live in the snow. R3 are really good, I think they would be best, tough between the r14 and r3. But look at how actual snow tires for cars work. They actually are supposed to pack full of snow because snow to snow contact actually gives really good traction. Mud tires (r1 or even r14 tires) are the worst for a vehicle in the winter. Sure, of course tire compound matters, but they don't make winter snow tires for tractors
Living in Northern Maine I have run R3's for about 20 years. I haven't tried R14 so can't comment on them however anything is better then R1 ag tires. R1s are designed to dig into the surface. Not something most people want in the spring is torn up lawns and driveways. Also if on pavement there is nothing to dig down into and thus you just spin, or buy chains.
I can't say that the turf tires on my garden tractor are good in snow, not even with chains on the rear tires and an additional 90 pounds of weight on the back. In fact they aren't great on grass either, I can't back up much of a slope at a (without chains of course and only the extra 50# weight on the back). Now it could just be that the weight of the 52" blower still pulls the front down so the rear tires can't "bite". But from all I've seen the treads in the tires pack in with snow pretty darn fast making for no traction at all. Perhaps R3s on a real tractor perform better.
I feel like this poll is affected by what tractors came from the factory with! In general your smaller sub compact tractors were coming with turf or r4 tires. Your mid size utility tractors could have come with any of the options but we're most likely r4s and your bigger, heavier, higher horse power tractors we're most likely to have r1 ag's. I feel like the tractor affects the tires performance just as much as the tire affects the tractors performance! I have a full size 2010 new holland workmaster 55 with r1 ag's and I've always run single diamonds on the rear here in New hampshire. Witch when I first bought the tractor was for snow removal and logging, now I have a wheel loader that I got to lighten the load on the tractor! But I choose the r14 in the poll cause I know my tractor without the chains can't reach its potential in winter conditions. But ag tires with the right chains and the right counter weight are quite impressive in winter conditions!
I was hoping it would be R14. Every tube I have seen recommend it. I am waiting on a set right now, my R1s are wore out and they rip the yard up to much doing any travel across it. Please get here before we get hit with a big snow storm. Plezzzzzz. :)
Nokian Hakka TRI...i have the R5 for the car...they make the best snow tires for everything...i think the snow cab on the bigger Deere tractors have them...
I have a MF 1840 with R4's completely useless in snow. Couldn't make it up my driveway last winter, so added studs. Note that this tractor never sees pavement so studs are my best option
very interesting, i have a driveway of 200ft up hill to town road you will not get out with a inch of snow if you don't have a4x4 anyways i have plowed it for 37 years much of that time with a wheelhorse garden tractor i found the ag tires good till it was Icey or really messy ended up switching back to turf with chains, also used a ford8n before i paved it no issues the tar changes the bite a 4x4 atv worked great no chains later on a Deere x500 poor too light weight needed chains on turfs with wheel weights and 4 ,42lb frame weights bought a 1025 in 17 has turf treads for around all of yard ,i also till with-it it has NO issues pushing snow with the turfs up that hill as long as its in 4x4
It's not that hard, just look att the worlds only specifik winter traktor tire from Nokian tires, it's looks mostly like the R3 tire, off cours the rubber it self plays a crucial roll, if it's soft or hard, is it natural rubber or syntetick? Natural rubber stays soft even in could. The R14 are maybe the best mix of them and there fore the most common choice fore those that dosent change there tires in the winter like we here in Sweden do. ❤🇸🇪
Unless someone had multiple tractors with different tire tread patterns to compare, how would someone know which is best? I have R14 but I don't know if that is best. They do seem to be wearing out fast on paved surfaces.
r1 seems to be the 1st in this pole (r2 seem to work the best) as they stay clean and will chew through deep slushy snow at the beginning of a driveway, however I haven't tried the r14 (too expensive) r4 sucks as the tread just becomes way to hard in the cold and r3s just jam up with snow and ice.
My 1026R came with Turf Tires and when I destroyed the Left Front, I replaced the whole set of tires with the Versa-Turf tires. I really don't notice a big difference in the winter. I have always used chains on the 1026R and keep the chains on year around. I do love the Versa-Turf tires in the summer for loader work a lot better than the Turf Tires, but in snow, I have no preference.
I've found the R14 is way better on uneven and gravel driveways, R1 is the best for moving snow in fields and off road areas, and in Minnesota once everything turns solid pack they all suck without chains
I didn't vote in the poll, but it makes sense that people picked Ag tires because for passenger cars a narrower tire is better. Growing up both my dad and grandpa used 2WD Ford and Massey tractors with chained R1 and a back blade to clear snow and pull stuck vehicles out of ditches. Totally different weight distribution, drive train, etc vs a modern 4WD tractor with a FEL pusher and snow thrower. My neighbor has used chained R4 on his 1025R the last two winters. Thankfully we didn't get much snow either year. They are calling for this one to be worse.
I actually prefer to use r1s on my bx.. for snow and dirt/ ground engagement attachments .. however I don't dare touch the yard with them on until it's frozen . "Its mud season " So I run the r3s which allows me to still be able to do yard work and not destroy everything. Having both sets on rims makes it rather easy to swap back and forth for whatever conditions and work that's being done
My tractor came with R4 tires. Luckily I live in eastern TN and snow is rare. When we do get it, wait a day and it is gone. I would love R14 tires, but won't replace my R4 tires until they need it.
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I was the very first vote on that poll. For a brief moment, R3 had 100% of the vote.
Hi Courtney. I live where we average 170 inches of snow a season. Everyone in my neighborhood uses R3s. Just saying.
Yeah, turf tires are far and away the best tire in the majority of snow conditions. Anything else is a compromise, but most people have to compromise when it comes to tractor tires though.
Having said that, if you have the correct surfaces that won’t be damaged, chains on a bald tire will be better than any of the options.
The R3s are most like a snow tire. So I take your word for it.
Another reason why turf tires punch above their weight is that it is well accepted in the auto world that snow on snow traction is often better than rubber on snow, particularly at colder temps. Since turf tires tend to not be self-cleaning and hold snow in the tread, this actually increases traction in many conditions, particularly in cold snow that isn’t that deep. ua-cam.com/video/wUxo2KmO4OI/v-deo.htmlsi=eGUp9FmQk3EPlEJa
Well said, I was told the same thing when I was younger.
Liquid verses frozen water on your tread makes a big difference for similar reasons. When clearing roadside parking spaces with packed snow base, if my Ag tires get wet from the melt water in the gutter my tractor will break traction and side into the curb. I could spin my tires all day and go nowhere, but if I stop the tires rotating for 4 - 5 seconds, the water will usually refreeze on the exposed tread and she will regain traction and come out easily.
There's more to tires than tread pattern. If you consider winter tires for the road, they're formulated with a softer rubber for improved traction on ice. The rubber on the R4 is very hard for long wear on hard surfaces. It turns rock hard at freezing temperatures. Very slippery on ice.
What I’ve learned through life, doesn’t matter if it’s mud, snow or whatever, people will argue about what tire is better.
I've moved a bunch of snow, growing up in Michigan. Almost always using a truck with a plow, not a tractor. The rule was to always use a tall, narrow, snow tire. This did a couple things. More weight per square inch, to prevent slipping, and less bogging down in deep snow. The tractor ran R1's (R4 and R14 didn't exist) and the plows ran tall and narrow. So my pick would be the R1's for the tractor.
Good stuff, thanks!
I run AG tires with chains on rear on my JD 855 with a blower. It's a mountain cabin so driveway is long, steep and unpaved. This setup has always got it done and with there being so much snow there's always ice underneath which no tire will help with that's where chains do the most work.
Turf tire hands down anybody who knows about snow tires knows snow to snow contact makes most traction.
Boom! Exactly!
I was very surprised that they came in last place
Remember, these polls are open to everyone, tractor owners AND those with no experience whatsoever.
Definitely
The best tire is the one I have on my tractor. They are paid for.
One way to look at it!
I grew up on a farm in an area of higher snowfall. There is no comparison between the R3s and the R1s or R4s….the R3s exceed both the R1s and R4s. Even the R14s can’t compare to R3s in a good snowfall when it comes to traction. The turfs are truly tractor snow tires!
Chains 😮
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Totally depends on the snow conditions, tractor, and snow removal method. Turf tires or R4’s siped, anything siped is good.
We get around 70” of snowfall a year. Last year we used 2 1025r’s with 54” snow blowers on the versa treads and they did well except for on the steepest driveways. We also used a John Deere rear steer machine not sure of the model, but I drove it during several storms and it did really well with just the turf tires on the same driveways.
I have the turf tires on my 1025R here in Maine. My neighbor has the same tractor with the R14 tires and there is no comparison. Even with chains my turf tire work better. We get a lot of snow in Maine and I have never even needed to use 4 wheel drive using a 47 inch blower. I think with slippery snow and ice the more tire you have in contact with the ground the better. My view based on experience with my tractor.
Only place I've seen r 14 tires is UA-cam, so I have no experience with them. R1 ag tires are made for digging in dirt. Digging in snow they're not as effective but still work. Ice however is a completely different thing. There you want a tire with the most rubber contacting the ground. R1's are pretty helpless in that environment. I can honestly see R14's working in both conditions. Sort of a jack of all trades but a master of none. I wouldn't mind trying them on a smaller tractor.
Wise statement. That is how it works in cyclocross (autumn/winter bike racing). Ag style tires are used when it's muddy. But when the ice and snow come out a lot of guys use their dry weather tires with a much finer tread pattern. Tire pressures also make a huge difference depending on the conditions.
Thanks for chiming in Chuck!
Beet juice or a good set of chains and the R1's are unstoppable in my experience. The state of the tread makes the choice of which direction you go... New tread with good lugs either will work great but the chains don't ride for crape so Beet juice in my opinion is the way to go with fresh rubber, once they are worn down some chains are the answer...
John Deere 3046 with R3 in my opinion, they work better because of the soft tread compound is a little more forgiving and makes better contact on slippery surfaces. Maybe not as aggressive and slushy types snow. Question for debate, front chains, or rear chains.?
Good question about chains
I’ve used all four styles of tread and have experience in Ag, construction, ground maintenance, and snow removal. Here’s my take.
R4 Industrial / Float tires are easy on job sites by utilizing tight lugs in the center to make a flattish center strip. The center strip floats the tire minimizing dig, lessening damage to surfaces or turning the lot into a mud pie when wet. However this works against you when moving snow as it significantly reduces the amount the tread engages the ground.
I’ve used R1 Ag / Paddle lugs for a lot of snow removal. They are not my first choice but the tractors employed were primarily used for ground engaging work. They are better than the Industrials as the lugs are spread out and tall allowing more pounds per square inch (PSI) on the ground. They will get the job done but will cut up soft surfaces instantly requiring you to back drag over the work area.
Side Note: Any tread / cleat that floats or spreads out the tractors load is going to work against you in snow. That’s why Ag tires will outperform bar tracks in snow.
If setting up a tractor specifically to move snow, I would look at the R3 Turf and R14 Hybrid. The reason I say both is because there are very aggressive turf patterns and too aggressive Hybrids. A tight turf pattern is not going to work as it floats the tire in snow. A very aggressive hybrid may not have enough knobs / lugs which could reduce the performance down to a R1 Ag tire. There is a sweet spot, you want the most tread contacting the ground without significantly reducing PSI on the ground.
The Goodyear R14 hybrid shown in the vid is a good proven mud / snow pattern. Callisle Versa Turf Is an example of a more knobby pattern. Anywhere between these patterns should perform well in snow.
The R14's are a game changer. Completely gets rid of the need for chains in snow. R4 is the absolute worst! lol
For the R3s it all depends on the size of the tires. Smaller turfs, like garden tractors and sub compacts the gaps between the lugs are close vs the gaps between turfs on like a JD 2320 or larger. I've had a 2320, three 2520s, and a second gen 2032r and r3 ran circles around the r4 on snow. R3s were not loaded and the r4s were always loaded. On my current 2032r, I have the r14 and haven't had it in the snow yet.
A lot of people voted for the tire they have on their machine as it is the only thing they have experience with. (What kind of tire do most utility tractors come with) On a 3 and 4000 series machine I would take a turf tire all day long everyday over the r4 tire I got on my new one. R4 tires are borderline useless. I rank them dead last. Wish I went turf tires again.
For me
1- r14
2-turf
3-R1
4-r4
I liked my turf tires for another reason. When using tire chains, there is more of the chain in contact with the ground giving awesome traction
I think that a lot of people voted for a specific tire without actually having first-hand knowledge. R-3's are a great snow tire. I would have put them first, but have never used an R14, so I couldn't make an INFORMED opinion on them. And in all reality, R14's haven't been out that long, so I'd be surprised if "that many people" have first-hand knowledge about them.
If you look at any of the LARGE residential snow removal companies in Canada that do HOA developments with inverted snow blowers, they ALL use R3 tires. They may be getting into the R14's now, but for the last 10 years they've been using R3's and there's a reason for that.
I had a 10,000 pound machine with R4s, it didn't move as much snow as my 4,000 pound machine with R14s. When it comes to snow, traction makes the difference
Yeah, I've been there too!
I have turf tires on my ck25 and I wouldn't trade them for any of the other tread designs except maybe r14's. I move a lot of snow as I live in west central mn and my turf tires work very well.
There is a lot that goes into this question like what is the surface under the snow, is the tractor in the snow or on the already cleared ground. Either way r4 is the worst. R1 might be best if the tractor is in deep snow pulling. R3 best if using a snow pusher on pavement.
I would bet many people that voted don’t live in snowy areas so that’s why your results are off
It would be interesting to know how many people voted, yet have no other frames of reference. A lot of us small tractor guys only have reference for the set of tires on our tractors. I have R3's and they were better than the industrial tires on my previous tractor. That's all I can comment on though.
I have 2025r TLB. My driveway is 700 ft long with 20% grade and two switchbacks. I push snow uphill with R4s and haven’t had an issues. Last storm we got last year here in New Hampshire was 3 feet of snow too.
Turf tires on my cx2510 and i have very good traction in the snow. I live in northern Maine.
R3 Turf tires work great snow removal.
I agree
It’s very simple… People are just picking what they have. Or at least what the internet says is best.
Seeing again your grooving of the tires I would question if instead of following the contour of the tread, go multiple chevron or passes along those treads. Sort of perpendicular instead of horizontal (if that makes sense). I’m stuck with R4 but we don’t get a ton of snow so it really doesn’t matter much to me. I agree with one poster, never enough ballast!
Well it seems to me that it depends on what surface you are plowing. Gravel, Dirt, pavement, concrete
My RK25/TYM came with loaded r-14 rear tires , Havent had any troubles pushing heavy snow .
You know what they say about opinions. You have a good many tractors with probably all 4 types of tires. How about pushing some snow with the same snow pusher in the same conditions for a real comparison of tire types?
I'd need the exact same tractor with all four patterns...a big, wide open parking lot, same ballast weight, etc. That would be a very expensive and incredibly time consuming test. Doubt it'll happen.
My son has a great saying for situations like this "not with that attitude" So without a simple comparison we'll only have opinions which serve nobody. I think a little explanation about not have exact tractors would get you by. You've been pretty creative in the past.@@GoodWorksTractors
Snow and ice are 2 different things. I ran ag tires on 7 tractors for many years. In mud and snow those ag tires push material out to the side like crazy which is why they were made with such steep angles. In ice, they don't do well. I would use chains if I was dealing with ice.
R14 works well in Atlantic Canada winters
In Eastern Canada, Nokian TRI or Titans snow tire is the best option, even on larger construction machines, we get easily 130" of all types of snow and sleet
Nokians were an option when I recently ordered a JD 4075R. I researched online what the Canadians commonly used. That was good enough for me!
How many voters have used all the tires in the snow?
In snow country most compacts use R3 turf
The R4 tires that come on most compact tractors have horrible lateral grip in the snow. I almost rolled our 2520 because of it.
I think snow conditions explain preference. My choice for deep unplowed snow is r1 ag.
In the past 2 years, I've replaced the original (OEM style r1) tires and rims with Carlisle (r14) VersaTreads on my x748.
On my old 2-wheel drive 430, I had r1 tires and they worked good - WITH chains on the drive axle. The x748, WITHOUT tire chains (before I replaced the tires/wheels) outperformed that old 430 (with chains). I'm curious to see how the x748 works, with these new tires, in snow, as compared to the 430 and x748 with the OEM style r1 tires. I have to say that the r14s are harder on turf than the r1s were, but I'm willing to compromise!
The best snow removal option is ballast.
Chains are the best option. Ballast is second. 😁
REMEMBER: The Subject here is ''SNOW" Traction!
Not "Dirt or Dirt and Sones" mixed in!`
I'm still (9-4-24) in the process of buying a New 1025R w/bucket and hoe but no mower deck!
Therefore, seeing this is very timely for me.
My Salesman recommends RR3 RadialTurf Industrial (rear).
I'm 75 now but I used to work at a Tire Dealership back in 71 at the very beginning of Raidial tires.
"Radial" turned out to be almost a "magic" word and reputation in traction.
Radial over bias is a great Investment.
Chose your tire seller carefully as for standing behind their Product, since any Tire brand can have lemons!
This "R14/Versa Turf/Hybrid" is NEW to me but seems close to my so far #1 choice of ''RR3 RadialTurf Industrial")
In the summer on my 1025r, R1. Winter time on my gravel driveway, I change to R3 with chains for plowing snow.
Good stuff, thanks!
I have personally tested on my tractor, in snow and ice conditions R1 and R3 (turf) tires. The R1 ag lug tires are garbage in the snow and on ice compared to turf tires. I tested identical ballast on each tire, and I tried both tires with chains too, all of the same tractor. The R1 ag tires couldn't reverse to save their lives, the lug is designed for specific forward traction and cleaning. The turf grips the snow and ice much better forward and backwards. Weight was far more effective on the turf tires for improving traction, and chains performed much better on the turf tires. Yes, I used the special chains for AG tires when I did this test. The AG tires were designed to dig into the soft soil for traction, this is something snow and ice does not allow. When possible I run Turf or advanced turf tread for snow/ ice with a tractor.
Well said ag is designed to dig to get traction which the opposite happens in snow is they dig down to the ice. R3 stays on top of the snow which has more traction and with snow packing in the tread snow on snow if actually pretty grippy (just like snow tires for autos) and get better traction
Not on your list but NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA TRI is what we use. We mow ditches and in the winter blow cul-de-sac's with a 5105M these tires have great grip on hills.
The R14 hybrid would be my second choice I have them on my personal Kubota B2301 I do have to chain it once and a while.
I have the R14 Carlisle Versa Turf tires on my JD 1025R and they are incredible. Admittedly a little hard on the grass but fantastic on ice and snow. I have 680 pounds on the three point hitch as a weight and the tires have fantastic grip.
I have a small snow removal business in Upper Michigan. I run R3s. I have a Kioti 5510 with a 72" blower on front and a hydraulic offset, tilt and angle back blade. I have been running these tires for about seven years. Here is my opinion after about 2000 hours of use.
This question has no correct answer for every winter condition. There is no single tractor tire I have used that is perfect for everything. In very deep snow over a foot, R1's would be slightly better as they can find bottom and thus traction better than anything else. However, I can say that in many storms of two feet or more, I have never gotten the tractor stuck where I did not hang up on the snow blower sub-frame. This situation would a problem with any tire. In lessor snow amounts, R3s will give a better ride and lots of "edges" to bite hard packed snow. On ice, they all stink. For the money, I don't see where R14s would add any advantage over R3's In terms of kick outs the R3s do pack up but they still work just fine. The lugs are large enough that snow squeezes out where necessary. As I mentioned, I can move under any conditions barring full ice. R4s are terrible in terms going forward or backwatd and so they are not a great choice with the exception of ride comfort as they are made for faster speeds (relative to a tractor) on good roads (not winter).
What I would really like to discuss is stopping with each tire. As an operator that uses public roads, tractor tires are just downright dangerous in terms of stopping and lateral traction especially above 10 MPH.
R1 - on hard packed roads, the lack tread blocks and limited tire/road contact make these tires very difficult to control during braking. I have seen many a tractor lose traction when slowing down and sail right into the intersection. Fortunately, when we are out, there tends to be less traffic. In terms of lateral traction, these tires provide almost no traction due to their design. At slow speeds they are fine but at higher speeds they are a danger to everyone on the road.
R4 - Really? I'm not spending much time on these. Its a huge tire surface area on flat SLIPPERY hard rubber with very few edges to bite. Please don't run these on public roads in the Winter. I'm sure they are fine for your driveway but keep them at home.
R14 - Better than R1s on hard pack snow because they have more edges to bite but they are still large blocks of smooth slippery rubber. Lateral traction would be better than both R1s and R4s but not by very much. I'll explain below with the R3s.
R3 - Lots of blocks and lots of edges. These help with moving forward/backward and lateral traction (side to side). However, when you add up the surface area of all that slippery smooth rubber in contact with the frozen surface, it still a recipe for disaster when stopping on hard pack snow or ice. The number of biting tread blocks are probably why these tires are near impossible to get stuck with in snow. Of course, mud is another story. Still very very dangerous in my opinion when it comes to stopping under slippery conditions but slightly less so than the other tires I mentioned. I helped my self a few years back when I studded the tires. That made all the difference in world in terms of safely being able safely stop and with lateral traction on slippery roads.
In the end... If you can get away with it, studs are the answer to safety when driving your tractor abound other motorists. Given the depth of tread and the strong contact with the road, studs would be perfect for R1s perhaps making them ultimate winter tire for types we discussed. If you run on the streets and can't stud your tires, there is another tire worth mentioning. Hakkapeliitta TRI (i'm sure there others out there as well) use a softer rubber compound with siping and blocks similar to the R3 turf tire. This design with softer rubber and siping would allow for more control on slippery surfaces. These tires are extremely expensive but may be worth the money when considering how much safer they would make the road for other motorists traveling with us on those snowy days and nights.
EMax 20 with front mount snowblower. 175 ft paved driveway. All uphill from street. Vermont winters. Tractor came with industrial tread. Zero problems removing snow after 3 yrs. Nothing to compare to as I haven’t tried other treads. Unless there is a scientific way to compare who really knows?
the answer is chains lol cheaper than new tires
Ive been pushing snow commercially feeding my family for 20 years. Tall and skinny and softer compound will ABSOLUTELY win every time... Many skid loaders will switch over to E rated truck tires with snow versatility.. So... A loaded turf tire that isnt super wide would be better in my opinion... Snow wolf makes a SUPERIOR skid steer tire... But... Just check out the tread pattern.. Old school truck tire with soft compound..
R1 would be b we tter with no chains. Any are better with chains. The r14 may bebetter for doing commercial plowing on pavement without chains. Where we are farm type plowing (no pavement or concrete) chains are a must. When we get 5 or more inches or a very wet snow you cant do much without chains. Hill ground also make a must have. You gave a good explaination. Lower air pressure in most conditions help gain traction.
I plow my 250' sloped driveway with turf tires (no chains) on my X728 and have ZERO issues with slippage or loss of traction.
I owned a 1025R with turf tires. I had very good success with the turf tires when pushing snow. My JD X590 has turf on the front and HDAP on the rear. Also have good traction in snow as well. I have a concrete driveway.
Awesome, thanks for sharing!
I own a John Deere with R3 and a Yanmar with R4. The R3 does great in the snow. I think the tire's profile plays a big roll. The R3 are softer and seem to "float", they spread the weight out and have a larger contact footprint. The thread of the R3 grips the snow, VS the R4 which scoops or digs in the snow. The snow we get in Virginia is not as intense as up north so understand this is just my experience.
A lot depends on if you are pushing or blowing. My lawn tractor with blower attachment has turf tires but - - - chains.
You bring up a great point. The traction needed for snow blowing is much less than plowing.
I have AG and R4s for my 32hp Kubota We have no pavement within 10 miles. My R4s have been stored for 8 yearsnow. Our 50 hp kubota has R4s and chains and is the go anywhere becauseof the chains. My first kubota had Turfs. Turfs are the best all round only because you can make cheap ladder chains in your backyard. I used chains on turfs 365 days a year. If your running on pavement a lot then I can see were the hybrid tires would work as we can't use top gear with the50hp and chains. We now have a kubota M6 141 with AG 12ft blade and92 in pull behind blower. We are only plowing our own driveways with steep hills. The M6 has 36in diax5 in steel weights, 2000 lb blower and loaded tires. Just waiting on some snow to see how it works.
I had a L3400 with what you are calling R3 (the lug but not ag) and couldnt do much in heavy or deep snow without chains. I do realize most of your followers are probably in incline country or have as much area to plow as we do.
Not all snow is created equal. If you are talking hard packed snow, I’d probably lean towards turn tires or the R14 hybrid. If you are talking two feet of heavy wet snow, I’d go with the Ag style tires. I don’t there is a type of snow that favors the R4. I also favor narrow tires for snow, just the opposite of what you want for sand or soft ground. Generally snow responds better high pressure loading on the tires.
2032R located in Minnesota. I plow two commercial buildings and my house, all asphalt surfaces, and turf tires are my choice. R1 Ag tires would be terrible for my application.
It should be : Hybrid - Turf - Ag- R4. Those who selected R4 are people who have never tried anything else. Very poor tire for snow, and for anything for that matter except hard ground. I still don't understand why folks choose almost always R4
Hi, I have a JD x495 garden tractor, always used turff tires with chains for blowing snow with the 47 inch 2 stage blower. I switched to the Versa turf tires in the back, 26 by 12 12, don't use chains anymore. That is hands down the best tire for snow traction. I just did a front tire wheel conversion from a solid rim 18 by 8.5 8 to a 5 lug 18 by 8.5 10 with now versa turf on the front. I had a problem steering the tractor with the blower down with the turf tires as the turf lugs would get so much snow and the tractor would just push forward unless raising the blower or driving very slow. I have not had any snow yet, warm spell here in wisconsin but I know the versa turf will shed snow better and steer better. My vote, improve the tractor traction and go versa turf. Reason for the conversion? they do not make the versa turf in the 18 by 8.5 by 8. I had to go to the 18 by 8.5 by 10. wasn't cheap but worth it for me. I didn't care for what was out there tire size in the 8 inch rim size.
We get a decent amount of snow here in SS Marie, Ontario and I’ve never had any problems getting around in my Kubota BX2380 with turf tires. I’ve had to drive through 10-12” of snow and had no issues with traction. The more tread face on the ground the better the traction will be and those Ag tires like my old BF Goodrich Mud terrain tires are terrible in packed snow. The tires on my F150 are Nokia studded winter tires and they are very much like my turf tire on the Kubota. That said I wouldn’t want to use turf tires in muddy situations.
WolfPaws are the best tier out there for small tractor or skid steer. Unfortunately they are expensive and require separate rims.
Ran the turf tires on a 2 series deer and a set of chains really helped.
Great video and so accurate. Our research shows the same results. R14 is 1st in class, then Turf Tear. Keep tractoring
R4's, industrial tires, are just that....used on industrial equipment. They are designed to be very rigid, hard and can handle heavy loads. They will last the longest when constantly driving on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc) with heavy loads. I have a back hoe that weighs 13,500 lbs. The R4's suck for traction. The only traction they do get comes from all the weight that smashes them to the ground. They load up easy and but don't clean out well. They are what they are-designed for longevity and to take a load. Ag tires are a little better but only by a little. My jd2020 diesel with ag tires is ok until you get on very hard packed down snow on frozen ground or on ice; then it's like having a racing slick. Once again if your tractor weighs 8, 10 or 12k pounds or more they would probably do better due to the sheer weight smashing them to the ground.
Nokians are the best available, BUT I gotta say, the turf tire is probably the next best on a compact. I have both a 16 4066r with turf tires and a 20 with nokians, the turf tires in the same storm keep up just fine, just not quite as good, way better than industrial and ag... Never used r14.
Which tire is best in snow and ice is such a “loaded” question! Part of the problem at least up here in the Great White North is the wide variation of snow and ice conditions not only from day to day but sometimes hour to hour, for example fresh dry snow on sheer ice on a steep slope you’re not going up it no matter which tires you have on, wait a few hours with cold enough temperatures so the snow sticks/freezes to ice and up you go with R4’s! In my opinion tire selection will at best help to “get by”, to guarantee traction you need a good set of ice chains!
Having driven and used a Kubota to push snow from my parents long, hilly, asphalt drive when I was a kid... I can say with a good degree of certianity that Ag tires are not that great. That said, when I purchased my newest Kubota this past summer (2023), I once again went with the Ag option. They excel on the other surfcaces/ground types that I operate on.
I know with the smaller machines I use ( older Cub cadets that broader line on sub compact like my 982 and 1782) the turf tires with chains will out do a set of R1 ag's when working in snow. I've thought about getting a set of R14 versa turfs for my one machine (cub 1782), it uses the same size tires as a JD 1025R but they are a costly investment specially up here in Canada.
A good question to determine experience is the number of hours one spends on heavy equipment. I had a neighbor who grew up around tractors and heavy equipment, worked 40 hours a week for years on heavy equipment; what he did with my tractor on hills I still won't do. So rating tires should be taken with a grain of salt, flat land, hilly, mountain land, and operator experiences all matter. I got a JD 3035D and had the dealer swap tires from R4 to R1, the salesman tried to change my mind but his Manager lives near me and knew the land better saying R1 is a good choice with clayish, hills. The type of snow also matters, no one around here could push 10" of sleet, that was incredible and thankfully a rare event.
I think you need to do some IRL testing this winter same tractor different tires
I've tried them all over the years...unless I had identical machines with the only variable being the tires, it would be a flawed comparison
Nokian Hakapalitta TRI are the best tires for commercial snow plowers of tractors and frontend loaders.
You can get these as an option on John Deere in US and in Canada you can get them on both John Deere and Kubota.
Your poll is only pulling non commercial tractor users. Your audience is one tractor guys.
Come to Alaska and try out tractors and loaders with Nokian Hakapalitta TRI tires and you will see.
Let me know when you're ready and we can make it happen.
Chris
Anchorage, AK
When I got my 2038R tractor, my only choice was R14s. The dealer told me when he got a set of turfs, he'd swap them. I spent one Maine winter with the R14s and was not impressed. In the spring, he got turfs and swapped them out. The turfs for snow removal were much better than the R14s. I liked the turfs much better, except when working in a wet field where the treads were filled with mud and became slicks. I bit the bullet a couple of years ago and bought Vera turfs. They are far and away the best all-around tire I've used.
Thanks for chiming in!
Chains increase traction by 50% or more on any tire. So we shouldn't be picking tires for snow removal but chains.
Pick your tires for what you do.
Lots of things better to remove snow than a tractor. Though I do move snow with the loader if it pulls up too high. I'm 150 miles east in Lake effect. R4s. Never get stuck.
Never tried my lawn mower in snow, but with tractors 50hp and above the other vote results do not surprise me, except the R1 votes. R1 tires are by far the worst in snow, plus everything else except competition mud bogging. R1 tire owners are usually on constant patrol the tractor forums so maybe they missed the poll? The R14 votes are psychological..."get these so I feel better" after buying overpriced tires. A good analogy is talking to someone after they bought a sleep number bed.
Up in canada we run Nokian snow tires. Very expensive but nothing compares to them for snow and ice.
Yeah, but those are a specific snow tire. Single purpose design.
None of them. NOKIAN TYRES HAKKAPELIITTA TRI w/spikes are no. 1
I needed new tires for my 2009 John Deere X500 and this video sealed the deal for the Versa Turf. I love them! Even my John Deere dealer hopes they start installing Versa Turf on more tractors. Great video and you did not steer me wrong! Pun somewhat intended. Ish...
Late to the party here but my little Case DX24e wears R3 tires and a front mounted blower. For snow removal I'm convinced the tires are irrelevant (given the front mounted blower).
R4's are horrible in snow. Way to hard, no sipping and side to side traction isn't great.
Turf/r14 is a tie then ag with r4 last.
I wonder if people who voted in this pole don't actually live in the snow. R3 are really good, I think they would be best, tough between the r14 and r3. But look at how actual snow tires for cars work. They actually are supposed to pack full of snow because snow to snow contact actually gives really good traction. Mud tires (r1 or even r14 tires) are the worst for a vehicle in the winter. Sure, of course tire compound matters, but they don't make winter snow tires for tractors
Living in Northern Maine I have run R3's for about 20 years. I haven't tried R14 so can't comment on them however anything is better then R1 ag tires. R1s are designed to dig into the surface. Not something most people want in the spring is torn up lawns and driveways. Also if on pavement there is nothing to dig down into and thus you just spin, or buy chains.
I can't say that the turf tires on my garden tractor are good in snow, not even with chains on the rear tires and an additional 90 pounds of weight on the back. In fact they aren't great on grass either, I can't back up much of a slope at a (without chains of course and only the extra 50# weight on the back). Now it could just be that the weight of the 52" blower still pulls the front down so the rear tires can't "bite". But from all I've seen the treads in the tires pack in with snow pretty darn fast making for no traction at all. Perhaps R3s on a real tractor perform better.
I feel like this poll is affected by what tractors came from the factory with! In general your smaller sub compact tractors were coming with turf or r4 tires. Your mid size utility tractors could have come with any of the options but we're most likely r4s and your bigger, heavier, higher horse power tractors we're most likely to have r1 ag's. I feel like the tractor affects the tires performance just as much as the tire affects the tractors performance! I have a full size 2010 new holland workmaster 55 with r1 ag's and I've always run single diamonds on the rear here in New hampshire. Witch when I first bought the tractor was for snow removal and logging, now I have a wheel loader that I got to lighten the load on the tractor! But I choose the r14 in the poll cause I know my tractor without the chains can't reach its potential in winter conditions. But ag tires with the right chains and the right counter weight are quite impressive in winter conditions!
I was hoping it would be R14. Every tube I have seen recommend it. I am waiting on a set right now, my R1s are wore out and they rip the yard up to much doing any travel across it. Please get here before we get hit with a big snow storm. Plezzzzzz. :)
Nokian Hakka TRI...i have the R5 for the car...they make the best snow tires for everything...i think the snow cab on the bigger Deere tractors have them...
Many variables, rubber compound, snow density and depth and what's underneath the snow. Turf tires work best with chains.
I have a MF 1840 with R4's completely useless in snow. Couldn't make it up my driveway last winter, so added studs. Note that this tractor never sees pavement so studs are my best option
very interesting, i have a driveway of 200ft up hill to town road you will not get out with a inch of snow if you don't have a4x4 anyways i have plowed it for 37 years much of that time with a wheelhorse garden tractor i found the ag tires good till it was Icey or really messy ended up switching back to turf with chains, also used a ford8n before i paved it no issues the tar changes the bite a 4x4 atv worked great no chains later on a Deere x500 poor too light weight needed chains on turfs with wheel weights and 4 ,42lb frame weights bought a 1025 in 17 has turf treads for around all of yard ,i also till with-it it has NO issues pushing snow with the turfs up that hill as long as its in 4x4
It's not that hard, just look att the worlds only specifik winter traktor tire from Nokian tires, it's looks mostly like the R3 tire, off cours the rubber it self plays a crucial roll, if it's soft or hard, is it natural rubber or syntetick? Natural rubber stays soft even in could. The R14 are maybe the best mix of them and there fore the most common choice fore those that dosent change there tires in the winter like we here in Sweden do. ❤🇸🇪
Unless someone had multiple tractors with different tire tread patterns to compare, how would someone know which is best? I have R14 but I don't know if that is best. They do seem to be wearing out fast on paved surfaces.
r1 seems to be the 1st in this pole (r2 seem to work the best) as they stay clean and will chew through deep slushy snow at the beginning of a driveway, however I haven't tried the r14 (too expensive) r4 sucks as the tread just becomes way to hard in the cold and r3s just jam up with snow and ice.
My 1026R came with Turf Tires and when I destroyed the Left Front, I replaced the whole set of tires with the Versa-Turf tires. I really don't notice a big difference in the winter. I have always used chains on the 1026R and keep the chains on year around. I do love the Versa-Turf tires in the summer for loader work a lot better than the Turf Tires, but in snow, I have no preference.
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I've found the R14 is way better on uneven and gravel driveways, R1 is the best for moving snow in fields and off road areas, and in Minnesota once everything turns solid pack they all suck without chains
I didn't vote in the poll, but it makes sense that people picked Ag tires because for passenger cars a narrower tire is better. Growing up both my dad and grandpa used 2WD Ford and Massey tractors with chained R1 and a back blade to clear snow and pull stuck vehicles out of ditches. Totally different weight distribution, drive train, etc vs a modern 4WD tractor with a FEL pusher and snow thrower. My neighbor has used chained R4 on his 1025R the last two winters. Thankfully we didn't get much snow either year. They are calling for this one to be worse.
I actually prefer to use r1s on my bx.. for snow and dirt/ ground engagement attachments .. however I don't dare touch the yard with them on until it's frozen . "Its mud season " So I run the r3s which allows me to still be able to do yard work and not destroy everything. Having both sets on rims makes it rather easy to swap back and forth for whatever conditions and work that's being done
My tractor came with R4 tires. Luckily I live in eastern TN and snow is rare. When we do get it, wait a day and it is gone. I would love R14 tires, but won't replace my R4 tires until they need it.