You need just the right type of tires to optimize your tractor’s performance, efficiency, and safety. Two common types of tractor tires with unique applications are R-1 and R-4 tires. Other types of tractor tires have distinct characteristics and work better in specific types of tasks and conditions than others.
R-1 and R-1W tires
R-1 agricultural tires (sometimes called AG tires for short) excel in various farm work thanks to their directional, widely spaced lugs, which provide enough traction even for challenging terrain and wet conditions. The tread pattern of R-1 tires provides great grip and reduces slippage on muddy fields.
In comparison to R-1 tires, so-called R-1W tires have at least a 20% deeper wear pattern. As a result, they excel on the field but perform well also in on-road use.
Both R-1 and R-1W tires have an open tread pattern that helps to keep them clean from mud and debris. The self-cleaning properties of R-1 and R-1W are particularly useful in farm work.
The Nokian Tyres Soil King VF and Nokian Tyres Ground King are our R-1W agricultural tractor tires. The Soil King VF and Ground King tractor tires perform both in field and transport work, making them more versatile than regular R-1 tractor tires.
R-4 Tires
Thanks to their sturdy and durable design, R-4 tractor tires, also known as industrial tires, fit a wide range of uses, including municipal work and infrastructure maintenance. R-4 tires can withstand heavy loads thanks to their robust construction.
R-4 tires provide good road handling properties, even wear patterns, and high mileage. However, compared to R-1 tractor tires, R-4 tires do not perform as well on loose soil and mud. This is because their tread pattern collects more debris and does not have the same self-cleaning properties as R-1 and R-1W tires.
Compared to R-1 tires, R-4 tires have a more dense tread pattern and lower tread depth. As a result, they have a larger contact patch with the ground. R-4 tires are optimized for durability, making them a great choice for work on hard surfaces and roads. Thanks to their tread pattern properties, R-4 tires perform well also in snowy winter conditions.
Nokian Heavy Tyres R-4 tire patterns are available in Nokian Tyres TRI 2 and Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta TRI.
Should you choose R-1 tires or R-4 tires?
Choosing between different tractor tires comes down to your most important use cases. The main strength of R-4 tires is their versatility and durability, making them a great choice if you need a tire that can perform in different applications such as road transits and urban maintenance work.
R-4 tractor tires have a more narrow tread pattern, making them more suitable for the road and hard surfaces. R-4 tires perform better in winter conditions as well, compared to R-1 and R-1W tractor tires with a deeper but wider tread pattern.
On the other hand, R1-W agricultural tires have an even deeper tread pattern and can perform both on the field and the road. R-1W tires are also a safer choice in muddy conditions and soft surfaces, including farming operations such as plowing, tilling, and harvesting.
Ultimately, the choice between R-1, R-1W, and R-4 tires is up to your specific needs and operating conditions. Find reliable agricultural tires for your tractor and farming implements, such as trailers and balers, from Nokian Tyres.
Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
