Recently, my John Deere 4100 has undergone a significant change focusing on improving its performance as a lawn mower. After documenting the installation of a 54-inch mid-mounted mower deck, the tractor primarily served for lawn maintenance. However, I noticed the factory-standard R4 tires were less than ideal for the lawn, especially during winter. To minimize lawn impact, I decided to switch to turf tires.
A friend provided a set of rear wheels from a John Deere 855, which luckily share the same size and bolt pattern as the 4100. I had these wheels powder coated for durability and aesthetics at Les Schwab, who offered a reasonable price. Subsequently, I ordered a set of turf tires and recently completed the installation. The transformation is visually appealing and I am optimistic about the functional improvement.
Side view of John Deere 4100 tractor with new turf tires showcasing the wheel and tire profile
While it’s currently the dry season, I anticipate testing the turf tires in wetter conditions soon to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing lawn damage. Looking ahead, I plan to powder coat the original R4 wheels and consider mounting either R14 tires or potentially more aggressive Camso 753 skid steer tires for brush hogging tasks with the 4100. Given the wheel size compatibility with 12×16.5 skid steer tires, the Camso 753s could offer a robust option for tougher terrains.
Rear view of the John Deere 4100 highlighting the turf tire tread and tractor hitch
Close-up of the newly installed turf tire on the John Deere 4100, showing tire detail
Angle shot of John Deere 4100 tractor with turf tires parked on grass, demonstrating tire appearance
Front view of John Deere 4100 tractor with focus on the new turf tires and front axle
Detailed shot of the turf tire tread pattern on the John Deere 4100, emphasizing grip design
