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How to replace lawn tractor tire


How to replace a riding lawn mower front tire

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Repair help > Front-Engine Lawn Tractor repair > Front-Engine Lawn Tractor repair guides

January 1, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

This step-by-step repair guide explains how to change a front tire on a riding lawn mower if the old tire is damaged beyond repair. Replacing the front tire is fairly easy; you just need a few tools and a manufacturer-approved riding mower part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the front tire on Craftsman, Husqvarna, Toro, Troybilt, Ariens, Poulan, MTD, Murray, Snapper, Yard-Man, John Deere and Weed Eater riding mowers and lawn tractors.

If you'd rather use tire sealant to repair the tire, the video How to Repair a Riding Lawn Mower Tire shows how.

Quick links

Tools required

Floor jack or bottle jack

Jack stand

Slot screwdrivers

Pry bars

Pliers

Valve stem core removal tool

Liquid detergent

Water

Wood blocks

Work gloves

Safety goggles

Compressor air supply

Repair difficulty

Time required

60 minutes or less

Repair difficulty

Time required

60 minutes or less

Replacing a front tire on a riding lawn mower

This video explains how to replace the front tire on a riding lawn mower.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect the spark plug

    Park the riding mower on a level surface and set the parking brake.

    Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key.

    Wear work gloves to protect your hands and safety goggles to protect your eyes.

    Lift the riding lawn mower hood and disconnect the spark plug wire.

    Lower the tractor hood.

    Tip: Disconnect both spark plug wires if your engine has 2 cylinders.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the spark plug.

  2. 02.

    Jack up the riding mower

    Block the rear tires to keep the riding mower from rolling.

    Position the jack under the frame and jack up the riding mower to raise the front wheel.

    Place a jack stand under the frame to support the riding mower.

    Remove the jack.

    PHOTO: Block the rear wheel.

  3. 03.

    Remove the front wheel

    Pull off the axle cover.

    Remove the retaining ring and then pull off the washers.

    Pull the tire off the axle.

    PHOTO: Remove the front wheel.

  4. 04.

    Remove the tire

    Remove the valve stem cap.

    Remove the valve stem core, which lets any remaining air out of the tire.

    Break the tire bead and pry the tire off the wheel rim on one side.

    Pry the tire off the rim on the other side.

    PHOTO: Pry the tire off the rim.

  5. 05.

    Install the new tire

    Clean the wheel rim.

    Set the new tire flat on a work surface.

    Lubricate the top tire bead with liquid detergent.

    Pry the rim into the top side of the tire.

    Flip the rim and tire over.

    Lubricate the tire bead with liquid detergent.

    Pry the remaining side of the tire onto the rim.

    Warning: Use blunt tools to pry the tire to avoid damaging the new tire bead.

    PHOTO: Lubricate the bead.

  6. 06.

    Seal the bead

    Fill the tire with air to seat the tire bead.

    Reinstall the valve stem core.

    Fill the tire fully with air.

    Tip: If the tire didn't fill with air, install a ratcheting tension strap around the center of the tire tread, tighten the strap to force the beads outward, and fill the tire with air to seat the tire bead. Carefully release and then remove the strap.

    Tip: If the bead doesn’t seal, check the rim and replace it if you find damage.

    PHOTO: Shoot air into the tire.

  7. 07.

    Reinstall the wheel

    Slide the wheel on the axle.

    Reinstall the washers and snap the retaining ring onto the axle.

    Push the axle cover onto the wheel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the wheel.

  8. 08.

    Lower the riding mower

    Push the jack under the frame and raise the riding mower, and then pull out the jack stand.

    Lower the riding mower to the ground.

    Remove the wood blocks from the rear tires.

  9. 09.

    Reconnect the spark plug

    Raise the tractor hood.

    Reconnect the spark plug wire and lower the hood.

    Tip: Reconnect both spark plug wires if your engine has 2 cylinders.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms common to all riding mowers & tractors

Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.

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Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim

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How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire?

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Apart from the blades and their engine, lawn mowers also rely on their tires. Even the smallest push mower may come with a set of tires you need to maintain. And when they get defective, replace.

But replacing lawn mower tires is not the easiest thing to do. While it doesn’t require a degree in mechanics or tons of experience – you may have some trouble finding the perfect way to do so.

Don’t worry, though. We know what you have to do to get a defective lawn mower tire out of the machine and then install a new one (or several ones).

So, do you some help changing tires on your lawnmower? Then keep scrolling. 

Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire?

Now that you’re aware of the reasons why you should replace the mower tires on time let’s go into the nitty-gritty.

The following steps will help you replace your mower’s tires in a few minutes or hours. Let’s get into it!

#

1. Find the Type of Tire & Wheel

The first step into lawn mower tire repair is to know which type of tire your mower uses.

Tubeless tires

For example:

  • Some lawn mowers use tubeless tires. These have a nut in the centre.
  • Tube tires, which are the most typical, have two or four nuts instead. These can be more time-consuming to remove.
  • And lastly, you’ll find tires with spindle wheels. These are common on some riding mowers and require a little more effort to remove and repair.

Before you go any further, be sure to know which type you’re going to work with. Then, you can shop for the right tire and follow the correct guide accordingly. 

#

2. Check the Size 

Before you shop for any tire replacement, first check that you have the right size. Here’s how to check:

  • Look for a group of numbers on the tire. The first number will tell you the diameter/thickness.
  • Then you’ll find a second number that tells you the width.
  • And the last number tells you the rim size.

Now you can go and shop for the ideal tire for your mower. Be sure to follow these numbers so you can prevent any waste of time and money.

#

3. Lock the Wheels

Now you can proceed to change the lawn mower wheels. And for that, you’ll have to start by locking the wheels. This is how:

  • If you have a riding mower, you’ll have to place the machine in gear and then activate the parking brake. 
  • Typical mowers usually have a brake or lock system to keep the wheels static. Activate it if there’s any.

Now that you’ve put the mower in lock mode, the wheels won’t move when you start working on them.

#

4. Lift the Mower Up

After securing the wheels, you need to lift the mower up. Here’s how:

  • Park the mower on a flat space. It should be even as well.
  • Now, if it is a riding mower, you will have to use a floor jack or jack stand to lift it up. Place the jack on the frame of the mower and raise it from one of the wheel sides.
Jack stands
  • If the mower is not a riding mower, you can use a platform or slab to lift it up instead.

Be sure the mower is secured while lifted. Otherwise, it may fall while you’re working on it. 

#

5. Detach the Wheels 

If you want to replace the tire, be it a tube, tubeless tire, or even if it is on a spindle wheel – you’ll have to remove it from the mower. Follow these steps: 

For Tube Tire
  • Remove the 4 nuts that keep the rim attached to the mower. Use a socket wrench or a lug wrench as needed.
  • Now remove the wheel from the mower by pulling it off. Be careful not to move the mower too much as it could fall.
For Tubeless Tire
  • Remove the cap on the single-nut system. 
  • Then grab a set of pliers and remove the pin.
  • Use a socket wrench or lug wrench to get the nut out.
  • Then simply slide the wheel off the mower axle. Be aware of any washer that falls.
For Spindle Wheels
  • Start by removing a piece of black rubber boot that protects the spindle. Use a pair of pliers and remove it by pulling it off. Don’t pull too hard as you could tear it.
  • Now you’ll see a metal C-clip. Use a flat-head screwdriver to get it off. This part is small and could get lost easily, so be careful when taking it off.
  • Here, you’ll face a retaining ring you have to remove. Use needle-nose pliers and remove the ring accordingly. Be careful not to lose the washers that come off as well. 
  • Then you’ll have free access to the key that keeps the rim attached to the mower. Remove it with a set of pliers.
  • Finish by taking the wheel off the mower.

Once you’re here, the rest of the process gets exponentially easier and straightforward. 

#

6. Remove the Rim

Removing the rim is relatively easy. However, it requires some strength. You may want to do this with someone else to make it easier if you aren’t particularly strong. 

Proceed this way:

For Tube Tires
  • Start by deflating the tire. Remove the valve stem cap and let it collapse completely, this could take up to 30 seconds. If it is deflated already, you won’t have to do anything. 
  • Now use a pry bar or a flat-head screwdriver to pry the tire off the rim.
  • If the tire is deflated, you should probably take a look at the inner tube. It could be damaged, so you may need to replace it as well.
For Tubeless Tires
  • Prepare a mix of dish soap and water in a small bowl. Then grab a brush and spread it on the area that connects the tire with the rim. 
  • Now place two flat-head screwdrivers and pry the tire out of the rim carefully. Do this on both sides.
  • Then try getting the tire out of the rim slowly. This could take a little more strength than expected. 
For Spindle Wheels
  • After taking the wheel off the mower, you’ll have direct access to the valve core from which you inflate and deflate the tire. Unscrew it to deflate the tire.
  • Now grab a pry bar or tire iron. Break both sides of the wheel and try separating the tire from the rim.
  • Finish by taking the tire off completely. Be careful not to cause any damage to the rim. 

#

7. Mount the New Tire 

Now that you’ve freed the tire from the rim, it is time to mount the replacement wheels. Here, you’ll also have to proceed differently depending on the type of tire.

For Tube Tires
  • Place the tire on the inner rim. Push it hard, so it fits inside the rim.
  • Then grab the outer part of the rim and put it inside the tire. 
  • Be sure the inner tube is also inside. If it is a replacement tube, then be sure to connect it well to the valve. 
  • Check that the tube is adequately located inside, so it doesn’t pinch when you inflate it. 
  • Then finish getting the tire on the rim with a pry bar or flat-head screwdrivers. 
For Tubeless Tires
  • Here, you’ll have to use the soapy water and brush again. Apply some of it on the part of the tire that connects directly to the rim.
  • Then try sliding the rim into the tire. Use the pry bar and/or tire iron for that. Flat-head screwdrivers also work.
  • Apply as much soapy water as needed to smooth out the process. Then be sure to get the tire on the rim properly. 
For Spindle Wheels
  • We recommend using a lubricant or tire lube to smooth out the process. Apply this lubricant on the tire beads so it can fit more easily.
  • Place the tire onto the rim at 45 degrees. This angle will force the rim inside the tire once you push it strongly enough.
  • One part will get inside the tire, then the other will need a little more push to get inside. 
  • If the tire uses a tube, this is the time to get it inside. Be sure it fits well inside and matches well with the valve.
  • Finish by securing the tire the beads into the rim using a ratchet strap or something similar.

#

8. Inflate the Tire

If you’re using a tube tire or a spindle wheel with a standard tire, then you’ll have to look for an air compressor and fill accordingly.

Remember to place the inflating valve in the right place to prevent any issue. Try looking for the correct pressure in PSI before starting. Use a PSI meter as well. 

Then just attach the air hose to the wheel valve and let it inflate. Check that the PSI is at the right level. If it is, then you’re done. Otherwise, inflate or deflate as needed.

#9. Reattach the Wheel

With the tires inside the rim and inflated, then it is time to set them up again on the mower. Proceed this way: 

For Tube Tires
  • Carefully place the wheel back into the axle. Be sure that it goes deep into the axle until the screws for the nuts resurface out of the rim. 
  • Look for the nuts you got off the rim before and place them on the screws. Then use the lug, socket wrench, or screwdriver to tighten up as needed.
  • Finish by making sure the wheel stays fit onto the machine. Try taking it off after tightening. If they don’t move – then you’ve installed the wheel back.  
For Tubeless Tires
  • Insert the wheel back into the mower axle. Be sure to get it deep into the mower, so it fits well enough.
  • Place the washers and the pins inside the axle rod. Screw them and tighten them as needed.
  • Proceed by placing the nut on the rod and tighten up with the socket wrench or lug wrench as necessary.
  • Finish by inserting the rubber boot over the nut. Check that the wheel doesn’t come off or move on the mower. Now you’ve installed the wheel back. 
For Spindle Wheels
  • First, start by placing the key that attaches to the mower.
  • Proceed by attaching the retaining ring to the piece.
  • Then you can attach the C-clip firmly. Be sure to use strength for that without moving the mower much.
  • Finish by placing the black rubber boot again on top of the spindle. 

#

10. Test the Mower

You’re almost ready now. Just check that the mower works as required.

  • Lower and then get the lifting jack, stand, or slab out from under the mower.
  • Place the mower upright and move it around as necessary.
  • Be sure the mower doesn’t shake or move in any awkward way.

If the mower starts working as it should and moves smoothly on the grass, then you’ve successfully changed its tires. 

5 Signs You Need to Change a Lawn Mower Tire

There are many obvious reasons to replace a tire from a lawnmower. For example, if it deflates after getting pinched with a nail or it doesn’t want to inflate at all – then it needs replacement.

But some other reasons may not be so obvious. And they can take several days, weeks, and even months before anything sufficiently bad happens for you to replace it.

Well, here are 5 signs that your mower’s tires may need some replacement: 

  1. The sides of the tire look rot or show signs of too much wear.
  2. The tread looks flat and without a pattern.
  3. Parts of the tread are missing or are cut.
  4. Going uphill is impossible due to low traction.
  5. While moving the mower, it bumps or shakes too much. 

If you detect any of these signs, you should replace the tire right away before it gets damaged once and for all. 

Why Replace a Lawn Mower Tire?

So, did you notice that your tire needs replacement? Then you’ll want to know why it is so important to change it right away. Here are three significant reasons to consider: 

1.

Accurate Cuts

There’s nothing like a precisely-cut lawn that looks beautiful and even all around. 

But with defective tires, the mower won’t cut consistently at all. Instead, it will shake or move too much to the sides – which could cause the blades to cut unevenly. 

If you use new, properly treaded, and smooth tires on the walk-behind mower – this is less likely to happen. 

2.

Smoother Movement

Pushing the mower on thick grass? Then it should have proper tires to go through the thick leaves. Otherwise, it may get stuck and make it all much more complicated.

If you have deflated tires, then this will be a nightmare. But with proper ones, cutting through the grass will be smooth and easy. 

3.

Better Traction

Trying to mow the lawn on a hill? Then you’ll need maximum traction. If the tires don’t have sufficient tread, then there’s a high chance you won’t achieve the ideal traction to go uphill or downhill safely. 

With properly treaded tires, you won’t have any problem using the mower on hills.  

Conclusion

Replacing lawn mower tires is critical for its effectiveness. So learning how to change them will be an excellent thing to do.

If you have a driving mower or any model with tubed or tubeless tires, then following this guide will help you out enormously.

Follow our advice and tips to ease out the process, save time, and possibly money.

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How to put the lawn mower tire back on the rim

Other

Author stroika. ru.admin Reading 4 min Views 7 Published

If you have been using your lawn mower for more than two years of lawn mowing, chances are its tire is now flat. I have been using the lawn mower for five years now, so I have experience in troubleshooting all related problems

This is not hard to do because you can do it using simple tools and methods. Usually a lawnmower tire works well, but when it gets too old or a nail is stuck in it, all the air comes out of the tire and it becomes flat.

In this article, I have detailed how to remove a flat tire from a lawnmower, how to install a new tube, and then how to install it back on the rim of the machine. You can also do this by easily following step by step and saving money.

Contents

  1. How to put the lawn mower tire on the rim
  2. Turn off the engine
  3. Disconnect the tire from the lawn mower
  4. Remove the tire from the rim
  5. Inspect the tire for nails or cracks.
  6. Attach tire to lawn mower rim
  7. Fix lawn mower tire

During the spring season, the lawn has a lot of hard work cutting grass with a lawn mower.

But if you notice that the machine is getting heavier and not running smoothly, but dragging on the grass, its tire is probably flat due to wear or maybe a pinched nail in its tube.

First of all turn off the engine because you know you need to fix a new inner tube or maybe a new tire. Here is a step by step guide through this entire procedure.

Turn off the engine

When you notice that the machine is dragging and moving unevenly, turn off the engine because it will take some time to inspect the mower.

And if you make sure that the tire is flat, you will probably need some time to repair or replace the tire. Therefore, it is better to turn off the engine to cool the car and also save fuel.

Disconnect the tire from the lawnmower

Obviously, you know that the first thing to do is to disconnect the damaged tire from the rim of the machine.

  • First, remove the plastic cap from the middle of the rim with pliers.
  • You will see a clip behind the plastic cover, grasp it and pull it out of the rim.
  • There is a washer under the C-clamp, remove it from the rim as well.
  • With all of the above removed, you can now easily remove the rim and tire from the mower.

Separate the tire from the rim

The next step is to separate the tire from the rim, you can do it easily this way.

  • Usually tubeless tires are available these days, but if you have a tube tyre, you will have to cut the tire on either side of the rim. To do this, you can use a hammer and screwdriver.
  • Each tube and tire has a rim inserted. It is good to pull out this attachment to move forward to remove the tire.
  • Now, at last, the high-tech step has been taken to decouple the tire from the rim. Insert several screwdrivers into the various parts at the junction of the tire and rim.
  • Now drag the screwdriver up so the tire starts to separate from the rim.
  • Leave this work for all screwdrivers and remove the tire from the rim.

Inspect the tire for nails or cracks.

With the tire completely out, inspect it carefully. If you find nails inside, remove them with pliers.

If you find that it has a lot of cracks and the tire is too old, replace it with a new tire.

Attach tire to lawnmower rim

Now finally the last step to put the tire back on the rim. You can do it easily this way.

  • As discussed above, lawn mowers currently use tubeless tires, but if your tire has a tube, tuck it into the tire, making sure the tube fill valve is properly seated in the tube hole.
  • The next step is to insert the tire into the rim. For this you will need screwdrivers.
  • Apply some oil to the inner corners of the tire.
  • Now put some pressure on either side of the tire and press the tire to insert it into the rim.
  • Inflate the tire with air.

Repair a lawnmower tire

Once the tire is on the rim, it is now easy to attach the tire to the lawnmower.

  • Install the tire onto the mower axle in the same way as you removed it earlier.
  • Attach the washer to the tire rim.
  • Attach the clip to the rim with pliers.
  • Finally, install the plastic boot on the tire rim.

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