They do look real nice. I have r4’s because I purchased the tractor when I moved here and had a lot of work to do that made r4’s the better choice. Now that the heavy work is done, clearing an acre, skidding trees, digging stumps, In ground pool. Grading, fill etc. Now I mostlyI mow, clear snow and do landscaping and property maintanence. Wonder if that tire would now be a better fit. Don’t want to chuck my r4’s if it’s not a vastly better choice of tire for my needs now that they have changed. Don’t want two sets of rims. I have enough stuff after the move taking up space. R4’s are 4 years old with 300 hours. I would love to try those tires tho!
I was going to put the R4 rears on my 455 but today, decided to keep the set together and just put them up for sale. I toyed with buying a set of wheels and mounting the R4's for tough conditions like when I have to mow bamboo areas. Then I thought about it. I really don't need to risk the Versa Turf tires and we only have one limited area of bamboo and I am not keeping the R4's for that area. So I will list them on WasteBook marketplace and see what happens. They are in very good shape as they really don't show much wear. They should be worth a few dollars which can go towards something else.
I will tell you they made such a profound change to the way the tractor rides and feels, its really surprising. Sometimes the R4's have a "square feel" about them on pavement. Maybe not "square", but you can definitely feel the lugs on the tires. Not on the Versa Turfs. Smooth and also sort of "boyant" feeling.......You feel the difference turning, driving down the road, not so much on grass but still a little difference.
For me the most important difference is in the traction in greasy snow conditions, right at freezing temps. The Versa turfs clean very well where the R4's seem to "pack" in the sloppy snow. Huge difference for my needs.............
Those who buy their machines new with them, really like the Versa Turfs. Those who had lived with the R4's truly appreciate the difference and improvement and its the biggest positive change in a machine's feel I have ever experienced. I can't imagine a negative with these tires and seriously doubt there will be one.
I haven't lifted max FEL loads, etc, yet and taxed the front tires sidewalls. But I would be surprised to find any issues.