Thoughts about R 14 tires on a compact tractor

[21incher]

I have been thinking about replacing  my 2 smaller sub compact tractors with  something slightly  larger with a cab. Looking at possibly a Kioti CK 2620 or 3520 with a cab. Getting to old for the winter  cold and summer heat with all the bugs and ticks so thinking cab is the way to go. Went down  and test drove one and noticed there are several tire offerings.  The one I tried had R14 tires, and one next  to it had industrial tires, another ag tires, and turf could  be ordered.  Was told the R14 are a good choice for this area and use on lawns without  much damage.  The ground was damp and those R14 tires did not chew any of it up. Supposed to be better  in snow then the industrial tires also I was told. Just wondering if anyone has experience with the R14s on a smaller tractor about 4k pounds one way or the other. Just basically for moving wood and brush with a grapple, brush hog, and plowing snow. Was going to be another Kubota,  but they  have provided me and others with terrible warranty coverage on UTVs so I decided to look at the Kioti brand and boy am I impressed so far. Really like the 2 pedal drive over one rocker. Just looking for input on the tires and good or bad points about Kioti compacts. 

[Kodiakmac]

I had to do a search to find out what an R14 tractor tire was.  If I was buying a compact tractor and doing both yard and bush work I'd be giving those tires serious consideration.  

I can't tell you anything about the two models you're looking at, but I have an RX7320 with a cab and loader I got new three years ago; it has about 600 hours on it.  I have had only one minor issue: an hydraulic fitting on one of the lines that runs over the fuel tank cracked and started leaking.  It was not covered by the 5 year warranty.  

I have a few comments about the tractor.  The cab is small.  There is very limited space for tools and grandchildren; and no space at all for a 120 lb moosehound.     Also, I have some difficulty understanding the regeneration process for the Tier-4 engine. The terminology in the manual is confusing and the similarity of the dash lights for the various steps of the regeneration process don't help.  

But it's been a good tractor so far and I have no regrets.

[scsmith42]

I have R4 industrial tires on a Kioti DK65 and I've been pleased with them.  Good all-around traction, and they don't really rut up the yard.

I'd stay away from Ag tires if you're concerned about ruts, and my experience with turf tires is that they lack a lot of traction.

The new R14's look like they would offer less rutting than the older R4's, w/o much traction sacrifice.  I'd seriously consider them.

[21incher]

The R14s looked to me like they took a turf tires and cut an ag pattern in it for better grip. Never saw them before but supposedly better then the R4s in snow.  They actually  are a little  narrower then the R4 industrial tires seeing them side by side. Maybe  someone has tried them in snow. 

I am actually  considering the 2620 also because it is the 40 hp engine derated to 25 hp without the regen or more complex injection schem. Supposed to be a simple adjustment  to bump it up to 35 hp by increasing fuel flow. That does cause warranty issues  though.  I found  the cab big enough for my fat butt and the seat they use is very comfortable. Reminds me of an older tractor with a lot of cast iron. Started watching some videos and so far people seem happy with the brand. The loader lift rating is really amazing for a compact. Almost twice the Kubota rating that I had looked at last year.

[Nebraska]

I have a similar sized compact tractor with R4 tires. I think they are a joke in snow compared to an Ag tire. Yes less marks in the turf if you use it in the yard. I bought a set of chains for the front tires then it kind of quit dumping significant snow this winter. So I guess it must've helped.   

[Oliver05262]

I bought a used New Holland  Boomer 40 tractor last summer, with low hours. It's got R4 tires on it and they suck for traction in snow, and not very good on grass. My first choice if I was buying new would be the Ag tires, but I think the R14 would be a decent compromise for all around use. Chains are the only real answer in snow, and I cut down a used set of double ring tractor chains to fit on the rear of my tractor. Traction is great, but I'm sure if I was trying to move a load of lumber,  the vibration would rattle it off the forks in a short distance. 
  I did not chain up the front, and probably will for next winter, but not too aggressively, just enough to help with steering.

[NE Woodburner]

No experience with R14 tires, but they look very interesting. I have a 45 Hp Kioti with the R4 tires and I'm reasonably happy with them overall, but they are not good on snow and ice and I'd probably consider something different if I was shopping for another tractor. The Kioti tractor overall has been good for me.

My neighor has a small Kioti like you are considering. He has the turf tires and I was very skeptical about his ability to get around in the winter, but those tires work surprisingly well. He has a belly mower, loader and snowblower. He has had it for probably 5 or 6 years and does things with it that he probably shouldn't but it takes the abuse.

The only problem both of us had is the loader joystick gets sloppy due to screws loosening and we've both had to take ours apart and tighten things up. I need to do mine again as it's starting to get sloppy again. Annoying, but really not a big deal. 

[beenthere]

This video helped me sort out the differences a bit better. 

[21incher]

This video helped me sort out the differences a bit better.

Thanks  for the video. Looks like the R14 tires would be best for my use with a wet lower section,  the woods, and snow. Both current tractors have the turf tires and they fill up and slip in anything without the chains on.

No experience with R14 tires, but they look very interesting. I have a 45 Hp Kioti with the R4 tires and I'm reasonably happy with them overall, but they are not good on snow and ice and I'd probably consider something different if I was shopping for another tractor. The Kioti tractor overall has been good for me.

My neighor has a small Kioti like you are considering. He has the turf tires and I was very skeptical about his ability to get around in the winter, but those tires work surprisingly well. He has a belly mower, loader and snowblower. He has had it for probably 5 or 6 years and does things with it that he probably shouldn't but it takes the abuse.

The only problem both of us had is the loader joystick gets sloppy due to screws loosening and we've both had to take ours apart and tighten things up. I need to do mine again as it's starting to get sloppy again. Annoying, but really not a big deal.

Thanks for that info. They had a 45 hp with a cab that was only about $1,700 more then the smaller frame 35 hp cab. There are some aggressive rebates on the higher hp models. I think it  was a new loader joystick this year with the 3rd function buttons already in place, the location was in perfect position with the armrest on the seat. I couldn't find anything I didn't like about it.  That lever in the back for adjusting the 3 point when hooking up an attachment is really nice along with the extendable arms. The R4 tires were wider but scare me the way they can slide sideways on a hillside. I think R14s will be my best choice.  Going  to look at a TYM next, but I don't  think their cab has AC on the smaller machines.

[NE Woodburner]

21 - any more progress on a tractor and tire selection?

I had the 3rd function valve added to my joystick and it is in the perfect position for me. It's a rocker switch with left - right and spring return to center position. I use it for my power angle plow and my grapple. Handy as a shirt pocket as I've heard said here on FF...

Turf tires are surprisingly good in snow, but they do load up in mud as you said. I would try the R14's over R4 if I was buying now. My R4's are OK most of the time, but not great. I had an old Ford with Ag tires and that was the best in the woods, but real rough on the lawn...

Sometimes I think a smaller tractor would be handy, but more often I find myself saying a little bigger would be better. My 45 Hp is good for me and has good lift capacity compared to other brands of similar size and Hp, but it would be nice to have even more lift capacity. Hp wise I can't say I've needed more for what I do.

[21incher]

21 - any more progress on a tractor and tire selection?

I had the 3rd function valve added to my joystick and it is in the perfect position for me. It's a rocker switch with left - right and spring return to center position. I use it for my power angle plow and my grapple. Handy as a shirt pocket as I've heard said here on FF...

Turf tires are surprisingly good in snow, but they do load up in mud as you said. I would try the R14's over R4 if I was buying now. My R4's are OK most of the time, but not great. I had an old Ford with Ag tires and that was the best in the woods, but real rough on the lawn...

Sometimes I think a smaller tractor would be handy, but more often I find myself saying a little bigger would be better. My 45 Hp is good for me and has good lift capacity compared to other brands of similar size and Hp, but it would be nice to have even more lift capacity. Hp wise I can't say I've needed more for what I do.

Not yet. On hold at this moment because I just blew 10k of the money I put aside for it. Had to pay to upgrade the sidekick Kubota just replaced to a diesel  model that was a big surprise, just ordered a 48 volt 100 ah Lithium battery upgrade for my wife's golf cart that won't charge up now, and the IRS got the rest because I messed up not thinking the self employment tax is added to affiliate money payments. 
Either I forget the cab at this point, go with used, my Deere 4100 sells, or wait a couple months.  Now that Kubota took care of the sidekick I am also considering a Kubota LX 2620 cab. They have 2 on order scheduled next month I'm waiting to look at. I want the R14 tires but not many on the lot or used ones  have them. Still impressed by the Kioti and the lift capacity for a 25 hp machine.  I also looked  at a Kubota L2502 that is pretty close to the Kioti and built with cast iron but no cab. I have read they are having major cold start issues though. I am hoping to have something by fall. I just read under  40 hp tractor sales are dropping so far this year and inventory is up so there may actually be some good rebates coming later this year. The TYM dealer down the road just got a bunch of cab models in I want to look at. Everyone is really stocked up with machines around here for the first time in years.

[Bruno of NH]

Tym has a model of big frame 25 hp tractors that lift 2,200 lbs
They also make that same tractor for Big Boy tractor just different paint , seat and lighting package. 
Worth a look.

[21incher]

I just found that TYM bought Branson and is producing a line of 25 hp tractors with Yanmar engines now that are just rebranded Bransons. The prices of them are very reasonable but not sure how they stand up. I can't  believe how Deere prices have skyrocketed.  

[trueg50]

I've got a B2601 with R14's, I've run it for a few winters plowing and have started doing more woods work with it in the winter. The R14's have been great on the lawn when mowing and in the snow. I've driven it up logging woods in the hill on our property and it has done just fine in the 12" snow I've driven it in. Only issues have been when I try driving up hill while plowing with the backblade (and that was more running out of power than traction). The tractor handles hauling 64-80" logs via grapple just fine, and I'll hopefully be picking up a winch for it soon, and likely chains for dealing with the ice.

I used the tractor heavily around the house for fixing up the lawn/overgrowth (prior owner didn't do anything and barely mowed). Now as I do more woods work I think shifting to a bigger tractor would fit my needs better. Something like an L3560 LE is what I'm considering as a "some day" upgrade.

I'd definitely get some different pricing; the new LX models are a huge price increase over the prior models (at least looking at the Kubota site). I'd get a few quotes for the Grand L series, I think the pricing might not be too far off for a far more capable tractor.

[Nebraska]

I have a TYM dealer nearby and 1 35 hp tym built tractor. A couple friends have them and have had a good experience with them. 

[21incher]

Well looks like it will be R14s with something called rim guard in them if I go with  the Kioti (special order),  or R4s if I go with the TYM (stock machine). Kioti under 26 hp no dpf, TYM over 26 hp dpf is the big decision for me. Should finalize next week. Didn't realize rim guard is just beet juice that is environmentally friendly with a puncture plus it weighs more  then water. Ruled out the Kubota and Deere due to the excessive prices they command for stripped down machines. 

[Tom K]

I put Rim Guard in the tires of my small utility tractor 15 years ago when I out the loader on, never had a bit of trouble with it. They will need to add tubes first. It can get a little messy adding air but not bad, just try to make sure your valve stem is at the top.

I don't know if it's too late, but you may want to check out Massey or Case IH as well. When I was pricing out a new tractor a few month ago they were significantly lower then JD & Kubota. Granted I was looking for something a little larger then you are. I didn't price some of the "lesser" brands just due to dealer network, but all the colors are made in Asia. The Massey I ended up with was made in India.

[21incher]

I put Rim Guard in the tires of my small utility tractor 15 years ago when I out the loader on, never had a bit of trouble with it. They will need to add tubes first. It can get a little messy adding air but not bad, just try to make sure your valve stem is at the top.

I don't know if it's too late, but you may want to check out Massey or Case IH as well. When I was pricing out a new tractor a few month ago they were significantly lower then JD & Kubota. Granted I was looking for something a little larger then you are. I didn't price some of the "lesser" brands just due to dealer network, but all the colors are made in Asia. The Massey I ended up with was made in India.

None of the dealers around here add tubes for rim guard.  Don't  have any Massey or Case dealer nearby. I am currently trying to decide  between a Kioti 2620 cab or TYM T474 cab. Big difference  in size but only $800 price difference.  Both Korean with 2/6 warranties.  No dpf on the Kioti,  Simple dpf on the TYM. The dpf scares me some but the tractor has 3 levels of regeneration that don't seem to affect  operation much at the lower 2 levels I was told. I like the larger  cab on the TYM and the dealer  just got 5 more in and will put R14s on if I buy it. Their best  selling tractor that so far have the least amount of warranty issues.  Both the Kioti and TYM have the same level  of cab noise but the Kioti has a better Grammar seat and better located remote levers. TYM doesn't offer  a 25 hp cab with ac because they think it's underpowered. About the biggest  difference is the TYM with loaded tires and loader is over 5k pounds that's  pushing the limits of my truck and trailer.  Cleaning up my Deere 4100 now to see how long it takes to sell before making  the final decision. That 474 felt like an industrial tractor but plastic hood I really don't like  but probably going to be the one. 

[21incher]

Tym has a model of big frame 25 hp tractors that lift 2,200 lbs
They also make that same tractor for Big Boy tractor just different paint , seat and lighting package.
Worth a look.

I'm actually looking at the slightly larger 47 hp model with the same loader lift and 20 inch tires now. It is still considered a compact but bigger then the 2515. The 2515 does not come in a cab model with ac  . They bought out Branson and have rebranded them retaining the Yammar engines. 

[21incher]

Went with the R14 tires and a small Kioti. 8 grand less then a not quite equivalent Kubota (smaller tractor) . Finally showed up at the dealership and went up to see them assemble it and add a 3rd function. After researching the TYM saw many repeat problems on forums and went back to the little Kioti. 

Catawba 55 grapple sitting in the garage waiting for the tractor.  

[NE Woodburner]

I'll be curious to hear your report on the R14 tires. I think they will work well. You are going to love the 3rd function valve. I have a larger Kioti (45 Hp) and had one put on before I picked it up. I hesitated about the extra money at the time, but I have no regrets. I use it for my power angle snowplow and a grapple.

[TroyC]

I have the TYM 474 and have had no issues, little over 200 hours. It has regenerated a couple of times.  For me it is just the right size around the hunt camp. I originally bough the 394 but a friend wanted it so I upgraded to the 474. He loves the 394 and it has had no issues either. I found the extra cylinder and HP on the 474 are noticeable. Mine has the 3rd function and I use a grapple to load the mill.

[21incher]

I'll be curious to hear your report on the R14 tires. I think they will work well. You are going to love the 3rd function valve. I have a larger Kioti (45 Hp) and had one put on before I picked it up. I hesitated about the extra money at the time, but I have no regrets. I use it for my power angle snowplow and a grapple.

Seems they are the same ply but slightly softer compound then R4s and will puncture easier. Everything else seems better for my needs. They have them loaded and I hope they never puncture. 
It's really nice how Kioti has the 3rd function buttons integrated into the loader handle. 3rd function was costly, a couple hours of labor to install it was worth spending to have everything covered under new tractor warranty.  Can't wait to try the Grapple.  Should be able to pick up some bigger logs and rocks.

I have the TYM 474 and have had no issues, little over 200 hours. It has regenerated a couple of times.  For me it is just the right size around the hunt camp. I originally bough the 394 but a friend wanted it so I upgraded to the 474. He loves the 394 and it has had no issues either. I found the extra cylinder and HP on the 474 are noticeable. Mine has the 3rd function and I use a grapple to load the mill.

The 474 cab was high on my list and seems to be the most popular seller.  When I did searches I came up with some issues that scared me some. 2 cracked frames, well over a dozen bent loader cylinders, fuel filter issues, broken plastic  fenders and hoods, bad remote lever location, and electrical gremlins. The HST drives also creep on some.  All the youtube videos  seem to be made by channels given the tractors for free also scared me. I think the tractor may have too much power and capacity for the size, but that was just my final impression. I decided for about  the same price to go with the Kioti that is all steel and more refined with a Grammer seat that's soo comfortable. Remotes are easy to operate and the dealership has a better reputation if problems arise. Both are good machines and you can't beat the low prices of TYM tractors. 

[NE Woodburner]

well over a dozen bent loader cylinders,

Regarding bent loader cylinders - You are probably already aware of this, but be careful backdragging with the loader bucket curled out so you are vertical with the bucket/cutting edge. From what I hear, most loader cylinders get bent this way due to cylinders being extended with down pressure and hitting obstructions. Best to back drag with the bucket nearly horizontal/flat to the ground.

[TroyC]

I was not aware of that about the cylinders and I bent mine shortly after I bought the tractor. TYM dealer covered them under warranty and I installed them. While waiting on the replacements I ordered a replacement set to keep as spares. The replacement set required a few hydraulic adapters but fit perfectly and the rods were a little thicker than the factory ones.

After bending the originals, someone here on the FF explained about backdragging. Now I try to be much more careful.