Lawn mower bar tires. Everything You Need to Know About Buying Lawn Tractor Tires

Lawn Tractor Tires – Sizing Buying Guide

Replacing a damaged or worn-out lawn tractor tire is easy to do, and a whole lot easier than taking the tractor in to be serviced at the dealership or local repair shop. The first step is to find the right replacement tire. When you are shopping for new lawn tractor tires, there are four primary considerations: tire size, ply-rating, the type of terrain and traction requirements, and of course, the price.

Lawn Tractor Tires Sizing

Like any other tire, lawn tractor tires have a series of numbers molded on to the side that spell out specific details about the tire. There are two different sizing systems: two-number system, and three-number system.

Lawn tractor tires using the two-number system display numbers as 4.80-8, for example. This means the tire’s width is approximately 4.8 inches and the rim is 8 inches in diameter. Those are the only two numbers you need to find the right size replacement tire.

The three-number lawn tractor tires numbering system works a bit differently. 15×6.00-6 is a common size. The first number before the “x” indicates the tire’s diameter when inflated and not under load. The middle number between the “x” and the “-,” indicates the tire’s width. The final number indicates the width of the rim. Note that the last number is width, not diameter of the rim. This is always the case with three-number sizing for lawn tractor tires and other garden equipment tires.

Lawn Tractor Tires Ply-rating

Lawn Tractors are very rarely over-loaded, but a tire with a higher carrying capacity is also more resistant to punctures because the casing of the tire is thicker and stronger. If your lawn tractor runs over rough terrain with lots of thorns, or you use the tractor for work other than just mowing, consider replacing with a “B/4-ply” rated tire instead of a “A/2-ply” rating. The number of plies is always stamped on the side of the tire. There are only two options, A/2-ply or B/4-ply in the common sizes for lawn tractors.

Traction Needs

There are three main classifications of tread pattern types for lawn tractors: mixed-use turf tires, knobby all-terrain tires, or ribbed tires.

• Turf treads are most common and usually have circumferential rows of chevron shaped tread blocks. These are designed to provide some traction on slick grass, while not digging up and damaging the turf. If you are replacing one tire, you can usually find a tread pattern that is identical, or close to identical to the pattern on the remaining tires, or what came on the tractor when new. A good versatile turf tire is the WDT P512A tire.
• Knobby, all-terrain treads typically have large tread blocks and deeper grooves to provide traction in loose surfaces like dirt, sand or mud. These tires sometimes have a herringbone tread pattern, like the tread on a farm tractor. They feature a high void area (space between the blocks) to evacuate debris from the tire. If you use your tractor primarily for towing or other jobs on dirt paths without the mower deck, a knobby, all-terrain type tread like the WDT P328 tire may be the answer.
• Ribbed treads have circumferential grooves and straight ribs that are either flat or slightly scalloped. These patterns provide some lateral stability to keep the tire from sliding sideways, but are primarily designed to roll easily and last a long time. They don’t provide as much traction as a turf or knobby, all-terrain tire.

Price

You can find a large difference in the price of lawn tractor tires. This is due to factors like the brand name, the associated features and benefits, and even the country of manufacture. A few minutes of online research to see typical for your specific size of tire will be helpful to manage your expectations and to set your budget. This will likely determine if you are going to buy a premium name brand, or if you are better suited to a cheap tractor tire made in china. Small lawn tractor tires can be found for as little as 20, and can run as high as 60 or 70.

No matter what size, ply rating or type of lawn tractor tire you need, you can find multiple options at low on Tires-easy.com. Tires-easy.com has one of the largest selections of lawn tractor tires on the web, a super knowledgeable customer service team, and an extensive distribution network for fast and accurate shipping every time.

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Everything You Need to Know About Buying Lawn Tractor Tires

A great lawn is something to be proud of. It can do wonders to boost your home’s curb appeal – and regular maintenance of your yard’s grass can help it grow better. But a lawn is only as good as the landscaping equipment you use to maintain it. Having a quality lawn mower or tractor is obviously an important piece of the puzzle – but you may not even think about the quality of the lawn tractor tires on these types of vehicles.

You will need to replace your lawn mower tires and other equipment from time-to-time – especially if they get damaged. Worn-out tires can compromise your precious lawn and cause your mower to spin out or create deeper grooves in soft soil.

Further, if you use your equipment for more than just mowing, you might need more versatile lawn tractor tires than what a typical model delivers for improved grip or extra strength when towing heavy loads.

Today, we are going to break down everything you need to know about lawn tractor tires to help you find the ones that fit your needs best.

Tread Pattern Types

First, you need to understand the difference between tractor tire tread types – and what each pattern equates to.

Smooth Tread

This tire has no tread pattern grooves whatsoever and is used on zero-turn mowers – of which have two control levers instead of a steering wheel. This allows mowers to make tighter turns, but it does not provide much traction.

The smooth tread pattern is primarily used for golf and ground maintenance equipment.

Straight Rib Tread

This tire pattern features straight, shallow ribs and are designed for riding lawn mowers and lawn trailers. These tires work well on wet, slippery surfaces like recently watered lawns or slightly muddy terrain after a rainfall. The straight grooves help to dispel water for better grip and minimal turf damage.

This pattern is ideal for both residential and commercial equipment – and can be used on lawn trailers, tractor attachments, transport vehicles, and farm implements.

Chevron Turf Tread

This is one of the most common tractor tire tread patterns – as it provides adequate traction for mowing typical front lawns or other grassy areas. This pattern helps to provide grip on wet or dry grass without damaging the turf beneath.

The Chevron turf tread is used on commercial and residential mowing equipment – like garden tractors, walk-behind mowers, turf maintenance vehicles, golf carts, snow blowers, and utility vehicles.

Commercial Turf Tread

As the name implies, this tread pattern is used on commercial mowing equipment that is larger than a typical lawn tractor. This tread pattern provides superior traction and long-lasting tread that resists punctures.

Round Shoulder R/S Turf Tread

This is another common tread pattern for lawn mowers and garden tractors because it enables tires to be highly maneuverable and can make tight turns. Tires with this pattern are intended for those looking for superior traction with the least amount of damage.

The round shoulder R/S turf tread, generally used for residential mowers and garden tractors, is widely considered to be the most popular and is highly praised for its ability to work on any terrain without causing much impact.

Lug Traction Tread

This pattern is a top choice for lawn equipment – such as trenchers, ditching machines, and larger garden tractors since the deep lugs offer extremely powerful traction, especially in soft dirt. Tires with the lug traction tread are ideal for serious landscaping – and would more than likely damage a typical lawn.

Modified or Wide Footprint Chevron Turf Tread

This wider chevron pattern provides better weight distribution for larger mowing equipment – of which may also be towing heavy loads. This pattern is ideal for commercial mowing equipment and applications – commonly used for golf course fairway mowers.

Understanding Lawn Mower/ Lawn Tractor Tire Size

One of the most confusing parts of finding new lawn and garden tires is determining which size you need for your specific piece of equipment.

Thankfully, lawn and garden tractor tires have numbers on the tires which indicate the size.

Now, some tires use a two-digit number here while others use three. An example of a two-digit number would appear as 9.50 – 8 while a three-digit number would be 18x 9.50- 8.

So, here is what those numbers mean.

The first number in a three-digit system (in this case 18) refers to the diameter or height of the tire. Note: this is the height of a tire that is inflated – but not bearing any load.

The second number in a three-digit and the first in a two-digit (in this case 9.50) is the width of the tire in inches.

The third number in a three-digit and the second in a two-digit system (8) is the rim diameter size, which is the smaller hole in the middle of the tire. On lawn mowers and tractors, this number will typically be smaller than the width of the tire, since these types of tires are generally wider than the rim.

Now, you may be wondering just what does NHS mean on a tire.

If you see these letters after the sizing numbers, you will know that your tires are “Non-Highway service. This simply means that they are not rated for highway speeds, which is pretty common for lawn tractor tires since the equipment isn’t designed to go very fast.

You will tend to see more information on the side of a lawn tractor tire – which refers to the ply rating or load index. Higher numbers will mean that the tire is stronger and able to withstand heavier loads since they are made with more ply layers.

The load range system uses letters to indicate how many plies the tire is. Here is a useful chart to help you:

• Load Range A (LRA) = 2 ply
• Load Range B (LRB) = 4 ply
• Load Range C (LRC) = 6 ply
• Load Range D (LRD) = 8 ply
• Load Range E (LRE) = 10 ply
• Load Range F (LRF) = 12 ply

So, a tire that has the measurements 15 x 6.50 – 6 NHS LRA would be 15 inches tall with a 6-and-a-half-inch width for a 6-inch mount. It is 2-ply and not highway rated.

Best Lawn Tractor Tires

There are lots of lawn tractor tires on the market that fit into all budgets. However, some brands offer better quality tires that are longer-lasting or provide a more comfortable riding experience.

Here are some of the best tractor tires to consider, depending on the type of lawn tractor vehicle you own and how you will be using this equipment.

Riding Lawn Mowers and Lawn Trailers

Greenball Soft Turf Lawn and Garden

This tire has a square shoulder design for superior traction and even weight distribution for minimal turf damage and a smooth, comfortable ride.

• Available in a range of dimensions from 11” to 24” with a tread depth of 4 millimeters.
• Chevron tread design
• 2 and 4-ply
• 12 PSI
• Applicable for both front and/or rear

D. Available Sizes

Deestone D265 Turf

This lawn mower tire also uses square shoulders along with a broad tread pattern for great traction on grass and minimal tearing and turf damage. A popular choice for commercial and residential mowers, the D265 is an all-purpose tire that comes in a wide range of sizes. Suitable for garden tractors, walk-behinds, and turf maintenance vehicles. Classic chevron turf tread pattern provides excellent traction and stability.

• Diameter ranging from from 10.4 – 20 inches with a tread depth of 2.8 – 8.4 millimeters, depending on tire size
• Chevron tread design
• Available in 4 and 6-ply
• Strong nylon construction ensures durability an long wear
• Wide tread for optimized ground contact and damage reduction
• 28 PSI
• Designed for both front and rear applications
• The Chevron pattern provides exceptional grip on both wet and dry turf surfaces.
• Excels at reducing turf damage

D. Available sizes

Deestone D837-Turf

This lawn and garden tire is not just for lawn tractors and mowers – it can also be used on wheelbarrows, small construction vehicles, and trailers. The rib pattern makes it extremely stable and durable without damaging the soft turf beneath it. B. Features

• Ranging from 13 to 18-inch diameter with available tread depth of 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.7, and 4.3 millimeters.
• Straight rib tread design
• 4 and 6-ply
• 48 PSI
• Available for both front and rear applications
• Superior performance on dry, wet and snowy surfaces thanks to the excellent traction provided by the straight rib tread design.

D. Available sizes

Tires for Wheelbarrows and Garden Equipment

Deestone D601-Rib

This straight rib tractor tire is designed for smooth steering, easy roll resistance, and durability with even weight distribution so that the soft soil beneath is not damaged. This tire is typically used for wheelbarrows, but it can be used on lawn mowers, tractors, and lawn equipment. B. Features

• Available in 12 to 16-inch diameters with a tread depth of 4 millimeters
• Straight rib tread design
• Comes in 2 and 4-ply
• 50 PSI

D. Available sizes

Deestone D407-Utility

This tire is made for garden tractors to provide great traction and performance on wet and dry surfaces.

• Diameter ranging from 13-16 inches with a tread depth of 9.7 – 12 millimeters, depending on tire size
• 4 ply
• Strong nylon construction ensures durability and long wear
• Large ground contact enhances handling stability

D. Available sizes

Greenball Wheelbarrow

This tire is recommended for use on gardening equipment like wheelbarrows or small trailers. It comes in a tubeless tire design, so it can easily roll over hard surfaces, loose dirt, or grass.

• 16-ince diameter with 3.175 Millimeter tread
• Straight rib tread design
• Available in 2 and 4-ply
• 50 PSI
• This tire is designed for great traction on both wet and try surfaces – and multiple types of terrain.

D. Available sizes

Tires for Hand Trucks and Hand Dollies

Greenball Stud Lawn Garden Stud Tread

This tubeless tire is best for handcarts, small garden trailers, and other type of lawn equipment. B. Features

• Available in 8 to 16-inch diameters with a tread depth of 5 Millimeters Dimensions
• Stud tread design
• 4-ply
• 24 PSI

D. Available sizes

Greenball Rib Lawn Garden

This straight rib tread design is optimal for heavy loads on gardening equipment like trailers, hand trucks, and equipment like pressure washers as well as lawn mowers and tractors. B. Features

• 11 to 18 inch diameters with tread depth of 5 Millimeters
• Straight rib tread design
• 4-ply
• 12 PSI

D. Available sizes

Tires for Hand Trucks, Hand Dollies, Handcarts, and Small Utility Trailers

These types of tires use commercial/diamond head tread or Sawtooth tread patterns – and are designed for driving on harder surfaces like concrete, asphalt, pavement, as well as turf. These types of tires are best for residential gardening equipment or industrial product usage as they can withstand heavy loads.

Greenball Sawtooth Lawn Garden

This lawn and garden tire has a Sawtooth tread pattern for easy rolling over multiple types of turf. These tires are extremely sturdy and able to withstand up to 440 pounds. B. Features

• This tire is available in 8 to 12-inch diameter with a 4 Millimeter tread
• Sawtooth tread design
• 4-ply
• 50 PSI
• The non-directional Sawtooth tread pattern provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Trac Gard N775 Sawtooth

This bias tire is designed for utility golf carts and is also suitable for lawn and garden equipment like small tractors, lawn mowers, and wheelbarrows. It features a zig-zag Sawtooth tread for a stronger biting edge that provides extra traction. B. Features

• 8 to 16-inche diameters with a tread depth of 9.5 Millimeters
• Sawtooth tread design
• 4-ply
• 38 PSI
• The zig-zag tread Sawtooth pattern allows for even weight distribution and superior traction on wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Trac Gard N766 Turf

This tire is designed for a wide range of use on numerous lawn and garden equipment – and can handle both off-road and on-road surfaces. The unique tread pattern design helps to support heavy loads while resisting punctures, making it a great choice for heavy duty gardening tasks. B. Features

• 11 to 24-inch diameters with a tread depth of 7.1 Millimeters
• All-purpose tread design for versatile use with minimal turf damage
• 4-ply
• 30 PSI
• This tire’s all-purpose tread pattern provides superior traction on multiple types of terrain, including wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Conclusion

No matter what type of lawn or garden tractor vehicle you are in the market for – or what types of applications you will be using it for – you can find a top-quality tire to fit your needs (and your wallet).

The quality of your lawn tractor tires can improve the appearance of your yard or garden and make any task much easier.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our tire experts at Giga Tires if you have any questions. We’re happy to point you in the right direction and help find the lawn tractor tire that is just for your needs!

Getting into the Weeds: Lawn Mower Tire Solutions Add Opportunity For Profit

F or landscaping companies and homeowners alike, creating that perfectly landscaped lawn begins with the purchase of the right equipment – the lawn mower.

But just as a lawn needs upkeep, so do the machines that keep it looking pristine. And that’s where you – the tire dealer – come in to be the solution for your community’s lawn mower tire woes.

“Lawn care professionals can’t afford downtime, so having a solution for them on your shelf simplifies the buying process,” says Brian Preheim, market segment manager for outdoor power equipment and agricultural tires at The Carlstar Group, which manufactures Carlisle-brand lawn tires. “Taking the time to learn more about the product and understanding its intended use can help assure customers are maximizing their investment.”

As a tire dealer, building your expertise on lawnmower tires can be an add-on to the services you already offer. And if your shop is equipped with the right products, it can become the go-to place for your community’s tire needs – both residential and commercial.

To integrate this segment into your business – and better understand the specifics of lawn mower tires – we’ve talked to the experts about what you need to know to make sure your customers keep their mowers performing at their best.

Taking on the Terrain

The power lawn and garden equipment industry is projected to grow 2.5% per year through 2021, according to research from The Freedonia Group.

That means this segment offers a revenue opportunity for tire shops across the country. But in order to offer an effective lawn mower tire program, partnering with a good distributor or tire manufacturer is key, says the team at Kenda Tires, manufacturers of tire and wheel assemblies for lawn mowers.

“The good quality tires make customers come back, and great variety will turn your store into a one-stop shop,” the Kenda team says.

To make your store that one-stop shop, Kenda recommends educating your salesforce in specialty tires.

“It is a good customer service and generates additional business,” the team at Kenda explains. “Customers may come in for a car tire but conveniently have their lawn mower tire replaced, too.”

Marketing this service – for example, placing posters around the store to make customers aware of the lawn and garden tires your carry – allows your customers know that you’re knowledgeable about turf tire solutions, Kenda says.

In addition, Preheim recommends stocking the original equipment brand, size and tread pattern to simplify the tire-buying process for customers.

Dial Down to Application

Once a shop creates a lawn mower tire program, employees need to know how to match customers with the right product. Justin MacLanders, business development manager for Michelin Tweel Technologies at Michelin North America, which manufactures the airless X Tweel Turf, recommends determining the type of mower and how customers are using it.

“Is the mower being used for commercial purposes? Or if the consumer does not want to worry about flats or pressure maintenance, is it being used under conditions where it may be experiencing flats due to debris, field conditions, high usage, etc.?” McLanders asks. “Is it difficult to change flats where the equipment is being used? Are flats causing the owner-operator or crew downtime?”

Preheim also recommends shop employees start by asking customers about their overall satisfaction with the tires they have. Then, make a recommendation from there, he says.

To make the right one, technicians and service advisors need to be sure the replacement tire is of comparable or the same size to the OE tire.

“There is some variation from manufacturer to manufacturer for a given nominal size in bias ply manufacturing, so it’s important to make sure a replacement tire doesn’t create an interference or a deck-height issue,” says David Dahl, research and development manager for OPE, HST and AG SP tires at The Carlstar Group.

Another consideration is the traction requirement that comes from the tread design that certain applications require.

“Tires with deeper tread depth like the Carlisle branded Turf Master, Multi Trac C/S and Turf Smart tires are preferred by those who provide lawn care services for a living,” Dahl says. “The deeper tread depth provides the durability and traction needed for extended use required by professionals. Typically those heavier machines use 4-ply-rated constructions to handle the load requirements. The popular Turf Saver tire, with its classic chevron pattern, is designed for the needs of homeowners who have front-engine riders and smaller zero-turn mowers.”

Dave Paulk, field technical manager for BKT Tires, says a large percentage of mowers come with a turf-type tread design as an OE fitment. This type of tread offers less ground compaction, soil disturbance and grass disturbance. Unless the soil is wet, turf-type treads leave virtually no tracks or ruts, and traction is not a priority.

Alternatively, a tire that has a bar-type tread design is used to deliver traction even in loose soil, making it a good choice for garden or lawn tractors, especially those that need to maintain sideways stability on hillsides.

Dahl says more biting edges or distance between the tread elements will provide better traction, but that comes with a trade-off in protecting the lawn. A customer’s experience with the OE tire can help determine if that traction and lawn protection balance is where they need it to be, he says.

Another factor tire dealers and shops need to consider is that lawn tires are made in several different ply ratings, Paulk says.

“Most mowers come from the factory with a 2-ply rated or a 4-ply rated tire. Some sizes are made in a 6-ply rated and 8-ply rated tire,” Paulk says. “The heavier ply ratings give the tire more weight carrying capacity. They also have slightly thicker casings that can help with puncture resistance from thorns and sticks.”

Upkeep and Storage

When landscaping companies perform their end-of-year or end-of-season checkup on lawn equipment, their inspection should include the tires, The Carlstar Group’s Preheim says.

During colder months or when inactive, mowers should be stored inside, Paulk says.

“Not only will you protect your mower from the elements, you will also protect your tires,” Paulk says. “Sunshine and ozone are the enemy of rubber products. These will cause tires to weather crack, sidewall crack and dry rot prematurely.”

Recommend that your customers store lawn mowing equipment in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight is important to make sure that tires do not go completely flat while in storage for winter. The wheel will damage the sidewall plies if it sits on them for a long duration, Paulk says.

Before taking lawn mowers back out again for use, Paulk recommends tire dealers teach their customers to check their lawn tires’ air pressure since most lawn tires have lower ply ratings, which means they’ll lose air in their inner liners if the tubes aren’t used.

The Kenda team recommends that customers consult manufacturers’ recommendations for proper inflation and that they monitor their tire pressure closely. Overinflation, Kenda says, may not get the traction that a certain tire is designed to have. Under-inflation may cause the cutting deck of a mower to sit unevenly, resulting in an uneven cut.

Tech Talk: Replacing Lawn Mower Tires

Replacement tires should be selected based on application, the Kenda team says.

When lawn mower tires need to be replaced, the wheels first need to be inspected to ensure they aren’t bent and that the tire will properly seat on them, says Dave Paulk, field technical manager for BKT Tires.

A wire brush may be needed to clean the wheel to ensure a good bead seal. If the tires are tubeless, Paulk recommends replacing the valve stem, which is made of rubber and affected by the same elements as tires. If tubes are used, Paulk advises to put a new tube in a new tire to save problems down the road.

When mounting, some type of lubricant should be used on the bead of the tire to allow it to easily slide over the edge of the wheels. This will minimize mounting damage to the rubber that covers the bead and helps to seal the tire to the wheel. The bead can also be kinked or bent if mounted dry.

If replacing the complete wheel assembly, Kenda advises to consider the wheel placement (drive wheel or idler wheel), proper rim size (diameter and width), style and size of bearings, proper hub length and offset.

Going Airless with Michelin X Tweel Turf

New technology has flooded the tire industry, and that’s no exception when it comes to the turf tire segment.

Last summer, Michelin North America put its airless Tweel tire technology to work in launching the X Tweel Turf tire for zero turn radius mowers.

The Michelin X Tweel Turf is designed to perform like a pneumatic tire, but without the risk and costly downtime associated with flat tires and unseated beads, says Justin MacLanders, business development manager for Michelin Tweel Technologies at Michelin North America.

“High performance compounds and an efficient contact patch are designed to provide a long wear life that is two to three times that of a pneumatic tire at equal tread depth,” he says. “Once they are bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain, and the common problems of unseated beads and flat tires are completely eliminated.

The tire also has consistent hub height, which helps the mower deck produce an even cut. They can be used on John Deere, eXmark, Scag, Gravely, Ariens, Hustler, Kubota and many other commercial mowers.

How to break the bead on a lawnmower tire, these are your 5 different options

Lawnmowers will encounter all kinds of circumstances, tough, tall grass that may be full of weeds, twigs, and stones. In all this, the blade and tire rubber are the ones that face the hostility of the working environment. Therefore, at times, a lawnmower’s tire may get punctured or damaged. Then, repairing the tire becomes necessary because a mower can’t run on a flat tire. The most important part of fixing the tire is breaking the bead on it. Depending on the brand of the lawnmower, the tire sizes vary. But the common thing across the brands in the highly pressurized and tight tires. Hence, breaking the bead on a lawnmower tire can get a bit intimidating for someone who has no experience. Do not worry! In this article, we will explain different techniques to do the job using common tools and equipment.

How to break a bead on a lawnmower tire, these are your 5 different options:

• Option 1: Using your bodyweight.
• Option 2: Use a wooden Board and a vehicle.
• Option 3: Use a pry bar, tire spoons, or screwdriver.
• Option 4: Make use of Scissor Jack.
• Option 5: Using a Bead Breaker Tool.

These five options are all different techniques to break loose the connection between the tire and rim. Before you can use them, the tire first needs to be removed and deflated. These will now be discussed in more detail.

General Guide on how to break a bad on a Lawnmower tire:

Lawnmowers have to run through rough terrains full of dirt and debris. Their tires make them heave through tall, dry, or even wet grass. So, at times, they may need replacement or repair. Breaking the bead on a lawnmower’s tire is something a passionate gardener should know about how to do.

Before removing the tire, you have to remove the tire from the mower, inspect it for errors and then carry on with the task. Follow this guideline to get a better insight.

Remove and deflate the tire.

For all methods, the first step is to remove and deflate the tire. In small lawnmowers, they are fixed by a single bolt at the center. In larger tires of some riding mowers, they may have up to 4 bolts. Simple untwist them using a socket wrench to remove the tire. It would be best to use a scissor jack to lift the mower body by supporting the mower’s frame.

Then, remove the valve cap completely present on the tire’s rim. It passes through the hole to the tube. Remove it to remove the air out of the tire completely. You can deflate the tire using a valve core removal tool. This step can make your work a lot easier because the inflated tire demands double energy to break the bead. So it is recommended to deflate the tire first to save your time and energy.

After the tire is removed and deflated, we can look at the various methods to break the bad.

Option 1: Using your bodyweight to break the bad on a lawnmower tire

Place your wheel on a flat surface. Apply your body weight at different parts of the tire along the rim edges, not on the metal rim itself. Just put one foot on each side of your rim and press your foot. This will make the rim come off easily. This technique mostly works as the size and the weight are comparably small for a lawnmower tire. This is the most commonly used technique so far if you have no tools and want to get your work done immediately.

Option 2: Use a wooden Board and a vehicle to break the bad on a lawnmower tire

If you have tried to break the bead with your body weight, and it did not work. Then do not worry. There is another useful technique.

The first step is to place your wheel on the hard, plane, and smooth surface. Place the wooden block on the wheel’s edge try not to make contact with the metallic portion, i.e., the rim. Using the wood, make a ramp. Use any vehicle that you have and drive over the board slightly. Then place it on the opposite edge and repeat the same process. In this way, the rubber portion of the tire will pop off immediately. Note that this process is for those tires that are stuck too bad with rust and debris. Also, note that your car’s tire starts rolling on the wooden board and not at all goes over the mower’s tire.

Option 3: Use a pry bar, tire spoons, or screwdriver to break the bad on a lawnmower tire

You can also get the same results with tools like a pry bar, tire spoon, or a big and long flathead screwdriver. This method is also quite efficient.

Place the mower tire on the flat and hard surface to avoid it sinking the tire into the surface. Place one of your feet on the rubber portion to support your effort. Place the tool at the point where the rim and the rubber part are connected on the opposite side of your foot. Try not to push your tool forcefully into it. It will damage your rim part. With a wooden hammer, give the tiresome beating along the rim. There, try inserting the pry bar gently between the tire and the rim’s contact. Use it as a lever to break the connection. Repeat the process along the circumference of the tire.

Another effective way to use such tools is to use a bench vise and a metal rod. Use the bench vise to press the tire’s inside edges as it lies perpendicularly between the vise. Use the metal rod to spread the gap created by the vise throughout the ring. As the bead breaks, you can si ply remove the tire from the rim.

Option 4: Make use of Scissor Jack to break the bad on a lawnmower tire

Breaking the bead can be done with a scissor jack. The tools required are the wooden slab, a scissor jack, and a power drill with a suitable socket.

Place the rubber tire on a flat surface. Place a wooden board beneath it and the scissor jack beneath the board. The process is simple. You have to raise the tire, and it will contact some hard surface that pushes the bead to open. You can use the mower’s back frame or some strong metal support. Press the tire with the support and raise the jack either manually or by a power drill. This will require a few attempts, but the tire gets opened easily.

Option 5: Using a Bead Breaker Tool to break the bad on a lawnmower tire

One of the professional ways of breaking the bead is to use the bead breaker tool. This tool mostly lies with the experts. However, if you have access to such a tool, this step is for you.

Place the mower tire on a flat surface. Then, strap the tire and the rim using some rope or straps. The straps should pass through the rim and go over the tires; clamp them onto a scissor jack. Next, by stretching the jack, tighten the straps. Use the bead breaker tool on the tire. This tool has a head that vibrates and kicks on at this end. Use it around the circumference of the tire near the rim and on the other side too. It takes some time, but it is the best method to keep the tire free from damage. In the end, simply push the jack-up; it pulls the strap, breaking the bead.

Additional concerns:

• Do not damage the rim: Our first and foremost concern in breaking the bead is to avoid bending and damaging the rim. Damage to your rim, like crimped edges and scratched metal, can cause air leaking issues.
• Protect your hands: Always wear gloves. It will prevent you from personal damage by tools like a pry bar and tire spoons.
• Do not force: Try not to force the tools while breaking the bead cause if your mower tire has been on the rim for so long, it will be hard to break the bead. Your forceful attempts may cause severe harm, and the whole tire gets useless.

Frequently asked questions:

Should I deflate the tire before breaking the bead?

It is recommended to deflate your tire so that it requires less effort in breaking the bead because the inflated tire has much pressure stored in itself. The pressure keeps the tire inflated and its edges tight. Therefore, it will demand double energy and make your work more challenging.

How to fix the tire back on the rim?

Firstly, place the tire over the rim, and it’s best to grease the top tire edge with some adhesive or gel. This keeps the connection tight. Fix the rim onto the tire’s topside using some blunt tools like the metal scale to fix it. Repeat the process on the other side of the tire. Fix the valve core. Inflate the tire and close the valve cap; the pressure will tighten the connections.

What does breaking the bead on a tire mean?

Lawnmower tire may be tubeless or with a tube. In any case, they are tightly concealed along the rim edges. This tight connection is due to both the tire and the bead’s geometry, the pressure, and the work requirement. This is called the bead of the tire. Breaking the bead means breaking this connection using some tools. This will make it possible to remove the tire from the rim.

Final remarks:

Tire care when maintaining your lawnmower is not something you should forget. It is recommended to inspect your tires at the start and after every mowing season. In case they are punctured or worn-out, you will have to break the bead to repair or replace them. The task can be performed relatively simply, as explained in this article. One of the various methods should help you do it. If you still do not succeed, ask a professional for help.