As a former mobile ag tire man, I have a few thoughts. First off, you're not quite comparing apples to apples. You're comparing a similar sidewall, yes, but you are comparing tractors that weigh much different, and one has a cab and one does not, so that right there is going to make that tractor seem more "floaty." I was always a big proponent for radials because when baling, you could air them up and leave them, because you never actually needed the tractive force, but then they also rode better going down the road. However, having a few customers that did baling, some of them did prefer the bias tire in this specific application. One man i can think of, i did do step up (38-42) conversion rims on his, and he went with an 18.4r42 just like you. He also didn't like them because it felt squashy and so we actually took those tires off and put on some super all traction 23* 18.4-42 tires. This was about ten years ago, and he still runs that same tractor and the tires are holding up fine. Personally, I'd try airing the tires up to 28 or 30 psi and see if you like it versus having to change tires again. Another option to consider is just putting duals on, that's what a few other local guys did, and they loved that. The obvious benefit there is way more stability on hills, but still being able to run the tires down in the lower pressure range to get the added benefit of lower compaction with the radial. Either way, you have to buy more tires which isnt fun, and most places don't stock an 18.4-42 bias, because you do typically want the benefit of a radial when you are at that power level. A side benefit of going to the 42s is that you get your drawbar up another 3 inches to clear a windrow which im sure you noticed, plus you pick up about 2 to 3 mph going down the road. Another zany option is just go to a big, awesome, ridiculous size tire like a 710/70r38, which would be the same height as a 20.8r42 or 18.4r46. That's what I did on my massey 2805. Search "biggest tires on 2wd tractor" if you like and see it. But I did that for different reason. LOL Anyway, I dont know if any of that was helpful, but I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring there.
Thanks for the comment, many very good points. I agree this isn't a true apples to apples comparison but I had 18.4-38 bias tires on it before so I have seen the difference on this tractor. I'd love to run duals but the gates, Bridges, and narrow trails going to some fields won't allow it. Its interesting that you installed some 18.4-42 bias. I called several dealers and even called Firestone directly. Not only did they not have them in stock they couldn't even special order them. Basically said they don't exist. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Machinery D
@@machineryd2765 another option, but again would require a rim change would be to go to a 14.9r46 and then dual it up. Those have a very short sidewall and are ridiculously stuff, but you could run the duals close enough together that it wouldn't stick out past your axles. Come to think of it, you could keep your current setup and just get some dual wheels made that would keep your width very minimal but you could stick a 14.9r49 on as a dual, and it's the same height as an 18.4r42 anyway. That was a popular option for guys with combines that wanted duals but not a lot of width. If this is the only thing you use the tractor for, you may as well set it up for that purpose!
@@nevinbontrager8828 great options that would definitely make it more stable. I should of mentioned I also use this tractor to mow the hay with a 10ft 3pt discmower. The right rear tire already runs a couple inches in front of the mower and if I go much more it will cause cut issues with the mower. Otherwise widening out the existing tires even further would be a option also. But you are correct if I only baled with this tractor that would be a good fix. Thanks for the great comment.
@@machineryd2765 also, lol one more option... you could go back to 38s and just run a 20.8-38. Firestone still makes the super all traction and sat II 23* in a bias. I think they ride like garbage, personally, but they are much stiffer. Again that's a tire you'd have to order in, but it would be a possibility.
I found a set of 20.8 38 bias ply tires at a farm auction that have been great for my 4620 . It sits more level and feels very stable . It had 18.4-38 on it before.
Thanks for making the video. I’m on the flat old prairie very different from your situation. I’ve switched 3 tractors 4430, 4440 and 4640 to 20.8-42. I absolutely love them. The best part is good used tires are cheap and they look amazing lol
I think going 42s was the biggest issue.i don't like anything more than 38s.i get the squishy pucker factor on hills.24psi is minimum for any radial.yes the side walls are thinner which is why never less than 24psi.the side walls wiil break down especially carrying heavy loads on the 3point or even semi mounted hard pulling prob best with with 26psi..just bailing you are as you say bias is probably best.18psi is good pressure loaded.its a learning curve.23deg firestones will bite no matter flat or hills.great video and parking on the slope shows the big picture.Thank You Sir.
@@michaeltrinkle4197 no problem thank you for watching. I agree with everything you said 100%. I think bias 38s will make me a lot more comfortable. I researched the heck out of it before going to 42s and going to radials. I found very little negative comments about this setup so hopefully someone finds this video and saves some headaches. Thanks for the kind comment, I appreciate your support 👍
@@daleolson3506 yes that would fix the issue and I'd love to be able to do that but unfortunately a lot of the properties I do have bridges, narrow gates, and other choke points that make duals to wide. Thanks for watching
That's a great option I'd love some 20.8s biggest thing keeping me from going 20.8 is cost. Also my other tractors use 18.4-38 and if I go back to that size I can use the duals that came with the tractor. But if money wasn't a concern I'd probably go with 20.8s. appreciate the comment thanks for watching.
Not a stupid question at all I definitely could only reasons I'm trying to work around that is because the fronts are like new and I like the look and floatation of the 11.00 - 16. Great comment thanks for watching
Didn't even know cross-ply tyres were even still made. Not seen them on tractors since the late seventies. Radials are safer on slopes. Your tyres are a bit narrow. I've used wider radial tyres since early eighties, currently use tyres 580 mm wide, will go pretty much everywhere, tractor has a heavy hedge cutter on back. Have to have wide tyres because of weight of hedge cutter. Tractor is fitted with BKT tyres. Best tyres I've ever had for grip . Not even half worn yet at 3500 hrs, lot of road work, tractor is restricted to about 35 mph on road between jobs.
Bias tires are still very available and in my area 75% or more tractors run bias. I may believe that radials have more traction on a side slope but in my experience they make the tractor less stable and more apt to rollover. We don't have a problem sliding on side slopes. Rollovers are the concern. Some manufacturers deep down in the literature say not recommended for side slopes
@@machineryd2765It's rare to see tractors driving across slopes here in UK, everyone seems to go up and down slopes, I've always done that, I used to have dual wheels on extreme slopes. Duel wheels are very rarely used nowadays on modern tractors, wide single wheels now. Duel wheels can't be used on public roads here. Different countries have different ideas, what works for one doesn't work in others. I see your tractors are 2wd, are they even made now. Perhaps available for special orders. Don't get them here at all, with tractor speed rising, they are 50 kph so have to be 4wd. Mine is restricted to 55 kph, transmission is 60 kph .
@@Feilding8187 when possible we go up and down hills also but sometimes there are trees or ditches at the bottom and or top of the field so no flat area to turn around if going up and down. The UK definitely got mfwd a lot sooner than the US. I believe that was because the US it is legal to run duals over width on the road so the demand was less. These tractors are year 1971 and 1980. John Deere didn't offer true mfwd until 1983. You can still get 2wd tractors but mfwd is definitely more popular now. You mentioned how narrow my tires are compared to what you use there. Hear a lot of farmers use narrower tires to be able to drive between the rows in rowcrop applications. I don't do rowcrop but the 18.4 ( 480/80) are most popular making them the most available and cheaper. Thanks for the comment it's interesting to see the differences in our applications. 👍
Go get different tires if you don’t like them. Radials are a better ride and you’ll get more traction in loose dirt. The lesson here is don’t listen to you tube people about which tires to buy. You Tube isn’t research! 😂
If you watched the video I said radials are better for traction, ride, and wear. I said they are worse for hillsides and sidewall penetration. I even said if you are in Iowa ( flat ground) and are doing rowcrop ( loose dirt) go with the radials. Did I miss something here?? 😂
Good video and great advice. I have found radial tractor tires to be worthless here in the hills of WV!
Yes sir it's hard to explain how they feel on hillsides but it sounds like you know the feeling. The pucker feeling 😆
As a former mobile ag tire man, I have a few thoughts. First off, you're not quite comparing apples to apples. You're comparing a similar sidewall, yes, but you are comparing tractors that weigh much different, and one has a cab and one does not, so that right there is going to make that tractor seem more "floaty." I was always a big proponent for radials because when baling, you could air them up and leave them, because you never actually needed the tractive force, but then they also rode better going down the road. However, having a few customers that did baling, some of them did prefer the bias tire in this specific application. One man i can think of, i did do step up (38-42) conversion rims on his, and he went with an 18.4r42 just like you. He also didn't like them because it felt squashy and so we actually took those tires off and put on some super all traction 23* 18.4-42 tires. This was about ten years ago, and he still runs that same tractor and the tires are holding up fine.
Personally, I'd try airing the tires up to 28 or 30 psi and see if you like it versus having to change tires again. Another option to consider is just putting duals on, that's what a few other local guys did, and they loved that. The obvious benefit there is way more stability on hills, but still being able to run the tires down in the lower pressure range to get the added benefit of lower compaction with the radial. Either way, you have to buy more tires which isnt fun, and most places don't stock an 18.4-42 bias, because you do typically want the benefit of a radial when you are at that power level.
A side benefit of going to the 42s is that you get your drawbar up another 3 inches to clear a windrow which im sure you noticed, plus you pick up about 2 to 3 mph going down the road.
Another zany option is just go to a big, awesome, ridiculous size tire like a 710/70r38, which would be the same height as a 20.8r42 or 18.4r46. That's what I did on my massey 2805. Search "biggest tires on 2wd tractor" if you like and see it. But I did that for different reason. LOL
Anyway,
I dont know if any of that was helpful, but I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring there.
Thanks for the comment, many very good points. I agree this isn't a true apples to apples comparison but I had 18.4-38 bias tires on it before so I have seen the difference on this tractor. I'd love to run duals but the gates, Bridges, and narrow trails going to some fields won't allow it. Its interesting that you installed some 18.4-42 bias. I called several dealers and even called Firestone directly. Not only did they not have them in stock they couldn't even special order them. Basically said they don't exist. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. Machinery D
@@machineryd2765 another option, but again would require a rim change would be to go to a 14.9r46 and then dual it up. Those have a very short sidewall and are ridiculously stuff, but you could run the duals close enough together that it wouldn't stick out past your axles. Come to think of it, you could keep your current setup and just get some dual wheels made that would keep your width very minimal but you could stick a 14.9r49 on as a dual, and it's the same height as an 18.4r42 anyway. That was a popular option for guys with combines that wanted duals but not a lot of width.
If this is the only thing you use the tractor for, you may as well set it up for that purpose!
@@nevinbontrager8828 great options that would definitely make it more stable. I should of mentioned I also use this tractor to mow the hay with a 10ft 3pt discmower. The right rear tire already runs a couple inches in front of the mower and if I go much more it will cause cut issues with the mower. Otherwise widening out the existing tires even further would be a option also. But you are correct if I only baled with this tractor that would be a good fix. Thanks for the great comment.
@@machineryd2765 well best of luck with whatever you go with! The best part of new problems is figuring out new solutions! Lol
@@machineryd2765 also, lol one more option... you could go back to 38s and just run a 20.8-38. Firestone still makes the super all traction and sat II 23* in a bias. I think they ride like garbage, personally, but they are much stiffer. Again that's a tire you'd have to order in, but it would be a possibility.
I found a set of 20.8 38 bias ply tires at a farm auction that have been great for my 4620 . It sits more level and feels very stable . It had 18.4-38 on it before.
@@oldironfarms929 that's a good option and available in a bais. Good find at the auction that size is very expensive new.
Thanks for making the video. I’m on the flat old prairie very different from your situation. I’ve switched 3 tractors 4430, 4440 and 4640 to 20.8-42. I absolutely love them. The best part is good used tires are cheap and they look amazing lol
@@todddaniels9488 yes sir different situations call for different setups. If it was flat here they wouldn't bother me. Thanks for watching
I think going 42s was the biggest issue.i don't like anything more than 38s.i get the squishy pucker factor on hills.24psi is minimum for any radial.yes the side walls are thinner which is why never less than 24psi.the side walls wiil break down especially carrying heavy loads on the 3point or even semi mounted hard pulling prob best with with 26psi..just bailing you are as you say bias is probably best.18psi is good pressure loaded.its a learning curve.23deg firestones will bite no matter flat or hills.great video and parking on the slope shows the big picture.Thank You Sir.
@@michaeltrinkle4197 no problem thank you for watching. I agree with everything you said 100%. I think bias 38s will make me a lot more comfortable. I researched the heck out of it before going to 42s and going to radials. I found very little negative comments about this setup so hopefully someone finds this video and saves some headaches. Thanks for the kind comment, I appreciate your support 👍
I run 20.8x38 bias ply on my baling tractor and love them
Looks like the duel with radials is the answer
@@daleolson3506 yes that would fix the issue and I'd love to be able to do that but unfortunately a lot of the properties I do have bridges, narrow gates, and other choke points that make duals to wide. Thanks for watching
Sounds like you have your mind made up already but being in hills I like duals or spaced out 20.8s. Tall skinny tires and side hills don’t mix well.
That's a great option I'd love some 20.8s biggest thing keeping me from going 20.8 is cost. Also my other tractors use 18.4-38 and if I go back to that size I can use the duals that came with the tractor. But if money wasn't a concern I'd probably go with 20.8s. appreciate the comment thanks for watching.
Stupid question: could you go a little shorter on the front tires to level out?
Not a stupid question at all I definitely could only reasons I'm trying to work around that is because the fronts are like new and I like the look and floatation of the 11.00 - 16. Great comment thanks for watching
Are either of the tractors tires loaded?
The 4320 with bias ply are loaded the 4440 with radials have the heavy cast casters and the 440lb cast weights on the inside
Nice, thanks for the video.
@@jayrobert5917 no problem thanks for watching I appreciate the support
how many plys are these tires
The bais ply say 8 ply and the radials I didn't see a ply rating. They are load code 154
Didn't even know cross-ply tyres were even still made. Not seen them on tractors since the late seventies. Radials are safer on slopes. Your tyres are a bit narrow. I've used wider radial tyres since early eighties, currently use tyres 580 mm wide, will go pretty much everywhere, tractor has a heavy hedge cutter on back. Have to have wide tyres because of weight of hedge cutter. Tractor is fitted with BKT tyres. Best tyres I've ever had for grip . Not even half worn yet at 3500 hrs, lot of road work, tractor is restricted to about 35 mph on road between jobs.
Bias tires are still very available and in my area 75% or more tractors run bias. I may believe that radials have more traction on a side slope but in my experience they make the tractor less stable and more apt to rollover. We don't have a problem sliding on side slopes. Rollovers are the concern. Some manufacturers deep down in the literature say not recommended for side slopes
@@machineryd2765It's rare to see tractors driving across slopes here in UK, everyone seems to go up and down slopes, I've always done that, I used to have dual wheels on extreme slopes.
Duel wheels are very rarely used nowadays on modern tractors, wide single wheels now. Duel wheels can't be used on public roads here. Different countries have different ideas, what works for one doesn't work in others. I see your tractors are 2wd, are they even made now. Perhaps available for special orders. Don't get them here at all, with tractor speed rising, they are 50 kph so have to be 4wd. Mine is restricted to 55 kph, transmission is 60 kph .
@@Feilding8187 when possible we go up and down hills also but sometimes there are trees or ditches at the bottom and or top of the field so no flat area to turn around if going up and down. The UK definitely got mfwd a lot sooner than the US. I believe that was because the US it is legal to run duals over width on the road so the demand was less. These tractors are year 1971 and 1980. John Deere didn't offer true mfwd until 1983. You can still get 2wd tractors but mfwd is definitely more popular now. You mentioned how narrow my tires are compared to what you use there. Hear a lot of farmers use narrower tires to be able to drive between the rows in rowcrop applications. I don't do rowcrop but the 18.4 ( 480/80) are most popular making them the most available and cheaper. Thanks for the comment it's interesting to see the differences in our applications. 👍
Go get different tires if you don’t like them. Radials are a better ride and you’ll get more traction in loose dirt. The lesson here is don’t listen to you tube people about which tires to buy. You Tube isn’t research! 😂
If you watched the video I said radials are better for traction, ride, and wear. I said they are worse for hillsides and sidewall penetration. I even said if you are in Iowa ( flat ground) and are doing rowcrop ( loose dirt) go with the radials. Did I miss something here?? 😂