What is the Best Tire for YOUR Subcompact Tractor? - R4 vs. R14 Tractor Tire Traction Test

We do a head to head comparison of the R14 tires to the R4 tires that came on our 2019 BX23S. The results are impressive!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Don’t forget the R1 ag tires Lucas. When I bought my L2501, I thought that I wanted the R4’s. My dealer wasn’t long talking me out of them. My tractor works off road in all kinds of terrain. I can even plow snow without chains. It does great, even in deep snow. I did find out this winter pulling a load of wood up out of my woods through deep snow on top of ice, that there are definitely limitations. This was a great comparison Lucas. The R14’s are definitely the best all around tire on the market today. Unfortunately for me though, the ag tires are the best choice for my needs. My needs are different from others so I would strongly suggest that people consult with their dealer before purchasing. Thanks Lucas

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Absolutely! I still mow with my BX so I could t do Ag tires, but part of me would love to have a set for everything else. I have to make compromises here and there. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ritterjon]

💥 Great comparison! Looks like your had a good helper as well. *Keep on tractoring!*

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Thanks, Jon! I think he enjoyed it about as much as I did!

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

I have the Carlisle versa turf and I think they ride like the R14, nice and smooth compared to the R4. Nice technique removing the mower deck 👍🏻, great job helping out Cayden 👍🏻. Have a great week Lucas 🙋🏼‍♂

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Thanks, Luc! I think Caden had a ball!

[@mccurjm]

Great video, Lucas. I rented a BX23S with R4 tires before I bought mine just to make sure it would do the work that I needed to do. I liked the machine, but those R4 tires were were terrible. They lost traction much sooner than I expected on grass that was barely damp or on relatively dry dirt. As you mentioned, as soon as they spun the slightest amount they loaded up the grooves and were essentially slicks. I disliked those tires enough to wait and pay more for my BX23S with R14s on it. The results I've had with the R14s match what you showed here. The pressure on the R14 front tires in the manual is 32PSI also, which is much higher than the R4s. In addition to being better constructed they also hold up much better to loader work due to the higher pressure. I've had my BX23S well over a year now and I've had some things that I was disappointed with here and there. Those R14 tires have never been one of the disappointments, though. :D

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Thanks! I had no idea what I was missing until I got the R14s. Makes it a different machine!

[@smeefamily54]

Lucas: I wonder how they would perform in the snow? Good test on the tires. You were lucky that the tree did not uproot on top of you. Kudos to the helper. We will see him at NASCAR or the INDY swapping out tires some day. Take care and stay safe. From: still snow covered Petawawa, Ontario.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

I have heard good things about them in the snow, but we haven’t had much snow here…. Have a great week!

[@mccurjm]

So far, the R14s seem to be about the same as R1s in deeper snow that's not packed and much better than R4s and turfs there. On packed snow and ice like on driveways and other hard surfaces, the R14s seem to be a lot better than R1s, somewhat better than R4s, and not as good as turfs. That last part is expected, though, as turfs are known kings of packed snow/ice from lots of more comprehensive tests than my neighbors and I can do. Since I rarely drive on hard surfaces for very far if they aren't covered in snow/ice, I'm thinking about adding studs to my R14 tires before next winter to try to have the best of all.

[@kendallriebel3515]

Awesome comparison! How about doing some comparing in the mud? Loved seeing the real world comparison, first of its kind, that I’ve found

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Thanks! Not a bad idea!

[@simd510]

My ag tires do great in mud and snow. Never had any issues

[@jamesharless5357]

I definitely want to get me some R14’s for my tractor. Great video Lucas!👍🏻

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

They are great!

[@bhall7997]

I have turfs the R14 was just coming out I believe after I bought mine. Mu B2601 was purchased as a lawn mower watching people with R14's I would take a good long look at them before buying turfs :) My turfs are 4 ply btw. Side note on mowing I'm guessing at least a month yet before 1st mow. Northern Michigan had snow Saturday.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

4 plies was one of my biggest complaints about the R4s. Hope the snow has at least melted off up there! 👍

[@faulltw]

Thanks for the video. You always give me ideas for mine.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

This is one of the biggest upgrades I’ve made. Great tire! Testing was fun too!

[@Jack-go1nr]

B&T MacFarlane did a pretty good comparison about 10 months ago. I have the turf tires which I like except they bring all the mud in the garage, it dries out then stays on the floor as you drive out

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

I’ll check that out. I know Messick’s did a really good one on a compact. 👍

[@edboley4724]

Nice work Lucas, good video!

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Thanks, Ed! We are loving them!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

I would like to see a comparison test between the R14’s and the R1’s. That would be really interesting. That may cause a whole host of new tractor buys to go with the R1’s and then tear their lawns up horribly.😢

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Lol. It really would be a fun test!

[@philirwin2028]

I have had r4 on deere 2305 for 13 years. Put 8 ply on front but still hate the tires.

[@michaelcorbeil81]

I ordered my Kubota BX with the turf tires but it actually came with the R14s. I was worried the r14s would tear up the yard but they have been fine for mowing and snow removal.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Yeah, the R14s were out yet when I got my BX. I knew I wanted to upgrade as soon as I learned about them. 👍

[@paulholmes1303]

That scale should have a peak hold, so you can just pull at the best circumstance, and then see what the max was. Then just reset it and try a new test.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

That would have been nice! I bought it just to do this test so I had to find a pretty cheap one. Haha

[@BigDaddyAddyMS]

I have the same scale and unfortunately it doesn’t have a peak hold feature.

[@TK-ck6xf]

I have two BX23s machines. One has a glass cab with R4's and the other has the R14's without a cab (loader with plow and backhoe still on in the winter). I find the R4's have better traction in the winter. Haven't used both enough in summer to have an opinion yet.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

That is interesting. Most people have told me the R14s are better in the snow! 👍 Thanks for commenting!

[@TK-ck6xf]

​@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead They are fairly close. Not quite an apples for apples comparison with the weight differences on machines either. Can't really go wrong either way. Enjoy the new tires!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Good test. Now I need to fit R14s in my budget. Thanks, I think?? 🤦‍♂ Tractor Hard! 🚜💪!

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Come visit PPHH and we will take you over to Davis Equipment!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead Deal if we get them the same price as yours!

[@intox69]

Not sure how I feel about radials for tractor work, If you need more traction you can always use chains.

[@BigDaddyKrapper]

The R14s are superior in every way to the R4s. I can skid 1800-2000 pound logs with the 14s with 4s I can skid 1000 pound logs max. You would not think there would be that much difference but there really is. My Dealership explained why Kubota puts the junky R4s on or at least his opinion as to why. The bulk of people that buy the BXs are buying a lawn mower with a bucket and will never even come close to working the tractor to its full potential. Same goes for a lot of things that you and I have the same complaints about with the BXs. My Personal pet peeve with BX through M series Tractors are the junk seats they put on them. Spend 14-16 hours straight in them and you need a tail bone and spinal adjustment. TG there are several after market very comfortable seat upgrades to the Kubota Factory Seats! There are a couple of more aggressive tires after market that will give you better performance and traction than the 14s but they get pretty pricey but have a great mud and snow shedding bar layout, are 10 ply and will kill the engine before they will spin. Don't know how your dealership is with hooking you up with after market parts that are superior to to Kubota Factory parts but if they are good about making your BX better than factory they can point you in the direction or get them for you. DO NOT use after market parts if your tractor is still under warranty. After mine are out of warranty is when I start modifying the hell out of them. Non Kubota Tires and a Aftermarket seat can cause you all kinds of headaches if you need warranty work done of say a Diff Lock :)

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Lol. Yeah, I try to use the diff lock sparingly anymore. Thanks for the info! 👊

[@user-ch4wh9uk3s]

Currently looking to move into 23S from a 2380 use a 60 inch belly mower weekly, I'd be interested in your thoughts about mowing residential with R14s

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

This video has a segment all about that. I mow exclusively with this setup.

[@cityboywithhorses6233]

Off topic but a quick question I think you can answer. I have BX25 and I am not sure how to remove the mower deck height adjustment knob. Any suggestions?

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

I believe it is just press fit and just slides off. After years of use and it dirt and corrosion it my require some prying… I haven’t work on a BX25 so take this advice at your own risk. 👍👊

[@cityboywithhorses6233]

@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead It was a press fit. Took a blow torch to convince it to move, but it came off clean and undamaged. Just thought you'd like to know.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

@@cityboywithhorses6233 good to know! Thanks for the follow up!

[@SNeal5966]

Doesn't the R4 have better load capacity? So for using the loader a lot isn't that important to consider too?

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

No, the R14s also have a better load rating. R4s are also 2 ply and the R14 are 4ply.

[@JessesChannel]

you said that the r14 is a 6 ply tire in the video but wrote in the comments it’s 4 ply? I’m just curious what ply they really are. Thanks and I appreciate all the videos on the BX23S ​@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

That was definitely a mixup. The R4 is a 4 ply and the R14 is a 6 ply.

[@JessesChannel]

@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead thanks for the speedy response. I really enjoy your videos and definitely learn a lot from them. I actually think I’m going get a BX23S and I think I’ll order it with the R14’s. I just couldn’t get a straight answer on the ply for them online. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@SNeal5966]

@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead I just looked at the spec sheet from Titan. Both are 6 ply and R4 deff has a major difference (higher) load capacity. Where are you getting your information?

[@BurtsRanch]

I got r1s but only thing that fustrates me is with a hst ya cant get all the power to the ground.

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

No question gears get more power to the ground! 👍 The HST is super easy and convenient, but there is a trade off…

[@Jam818]

Any chance you know the price of the new tires?

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

In January a full set was $618+tax (and fluid fill).

[@Jam818]

@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead cool. I appreciate that.

[@georgecunningham4080]

The R4 definitely rides rough wish i would have gotten the R14

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

In my opinion they are worth upgrading to when you can. Change the whole operating experience. 👍

[@georgecunningham4080]

@Peek's Peak Hobby Homestead gotta talk the finance committee into it first lol