11.00- 16 four rib or three rib - which is better

andy r

Member
I need to replace some front tractor tires. One tractor has three rib tires and the other has four rib tires. Even though I have driven both tractors extensively I thought I would ask your opinions. The four ribs are $178 and the three ribs are $202 each. They are BKT tires. The three ribs do stand 2 to 3 inches taller. So, here are my questions.

1) What is more common now? Three or four

2) Which has the best turning traction?

3) Which will last longer?

4) What is your preference and why?

Thanks.
 
The 4 rib is a lot easier on grass and lawns. I prefer 4 rib. Plus they go down the road better. Just my preference - Bob
 
Have a 5020 with 3 rib and a 4555 with 4 rib. Like Bob said, four rib are easier on grass and hay so better to use on haying tractor. I personally think the 3 rib will last longer but nothing to back that up. Have no problem with 3 rib on tillage tractor. Also, don't think the 3 rib will have as much wet dirt and mud stick to it as the 4 rib.
 
3rib on 750x16 or smaller, 4 rib on 1000x16 and larger are more popular. We put a lot of 3 ribs on 2x4 loader tractors. As far as wear, of the hundreds we put on I don't think there was much difference, 4 ribs may have gotten a little better wear on the road. .
 
The co-op just put new three rib on the 2x4 loader tractor. They were $170 each mounted. I like three rib as I think they wear a little longer - the feeding tractor sees a couple of miles of blacktop a day. It seems like all of the four rib I have (on spraying and planting tractors) are showing an awful lot of stubble damage. They are several brands so I don't think that has any bearing. I think that center rib grabs well for feeding and they don't load up with matter as bad.

If I was replacing tires on a field tractor I would go with cheapest, honestly. I've had both and I usually end up damaging them beyond repair before they ever wear out.
 
3 rib grabs and turns in loose dirt and snow better.

It is harder on lawns or sod tho.

4 rib is popular in bigger sizes, more rubber on the road carries better.

Paul
 


I believe... the 4 rib are smoother riding and doesnt beat me up so much....allows me to work a bit faster in the field.

the 3 rib turns better in plowing,, as the single rib cuts into soft soils and this only helps on turns. But the single rib on hard pack is much bumpier. the three rib may be a bit better in thorns as the center rib on hard soils elevates it a bit. In hard soils the center rib takes all the wear and protects the rest of the tire a bit better..

In mesquite country with lots of long thorns we run 22 ply aircraft tires anyway as otherwise we would be changing tires out all day...
 

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