How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire

To change a lawn mower tire, make sure your tractor mower is parked on a flat surface. Use a jack to elevate the mower, and use a socket wrench to loosen the wheel bolts. Slide the wheel off the axle and remove the old tire. Then mount the new tire onto the wheel and reconnect the wheel.

While many of the lawn mowers at Mowrator USA offer easier tire changes, others are a little more complicated. We’ll take you through the steps of replacing a lawn tractor tire and tell you what tools you’ll need. This way you’ll save money on taking it to a mechanic, and know how to do it in the future too.

The U.S. lawn and garden tractor market is projected to ship 500,000 lawn tractors every year by 2027. Clearly, these lawn mowers are gaining popularity in US households, and knowing how to maintain them can be very helpful. So let’s look at how to change a lawn tractor tire yourself at home.

Key Takeaways

• Check the side of your current mower tire before purchasing a new one to get the right specs.
• You will need a jack, a socket wrench, pliers, and a pry bar to change your lawn mower tire.
• New mower tires do not need to be blanched after a replacement.
• Some mower tires have a retaining clip which can be removed and put back with a pair of pliers during the tire change.

What Tools do you Need to Change a Lawn Mower Tire?

To change a lawn mower tire, you will need the following tools:

• A jack (blocks can also be used to keep the mower elevated)
• A socket wrench for loosening bolts
• A pry bar for removing the hubcap
• A pair of pliers
• A valve stem tool (only if needed for removing the valve stem)

5 Steps to Changing a Lawn Mower Tire

Now that you have your tools handy, it’s time to follow these five steps in changing your lawn mower tire.

Step 1

For large mowers, changing the tire can be done on the side or corner where the tire is being changed. Use blocks to keep the mower lifted, and make sure you only elevate your mower on a level surface.

Step 2

Remove the entire wheel using the socket wrench. You may need to also use the pliers to remove a retaining clip (cotter pin).

Step 3

If the old tire still has air in it, deflate it until it’s soft. This will make it easier to separate the tire from the rim. You can do this using your flathead screwdriver or a pry bar.

Step 4

Fitting the new tire is easier if you lubricate the rim with some soapy water. If you still struggle to align it properly, use a rubber mallet to position it. Don’t pump the new tire until the wheel is back on the mower.

Step 5

Now, simply put the new wheel on. Remember to reattach the retaining clip if you had to remove one. Pump the tire, lower the mower back to the ground, and pump the tire a little more if necessary.

Important note: For safety reasons, always disconnect the mower’s spark plug before working on your mower. This will prevent it from accidentally switching on.

How do you Choose the Correct Replacement Tire for Your Mower?

To make sure you choose the correct tire for your lawn mower, check your user manual for the size, width, and rim diameter. You can also check the side of your current mower tire to see what these measurements are, and simply buy one with the same specs.

See below for a more in-depth look at how to check for the right tire. If you’re still not sure, you can always contact Mowrator USA for advice.

Do New Mower Tires Need to Be Balanced?

No, most of the time you will not need to balance your tires after replacing one of them with a new tire. This is because lawn mowers only move at a speed of around 4 mph. Also, mowers move over uneven terrain, so balancing them is somewhat redundant.

Mowrator’s robot lawn mowers make swapping out tires incredibly easy. With our durable, all-terrain wheels, our lawn mowers are built to handle any lawn. Shop Mowrator now for replacement tires and keep mowing with confidence!

FAQs on How do you change a Lawn Mower Tire?

How do I prevent a mower from moving while changing the tire?

To prevent your mower from moving while you are changing the tire, always make sure the parking brake is up. You can also place the mower wheels on large blocks (or wheel chocks) so that it doesn’t shift while you change the tire. Jack stands will also work well to stabilize the mower, especially if the surface is uneven.

Can I repair a punctured tire instead of replacing it?

Yes, you can repair a punctured tire instead of replacing it, as long as the damage isn’t too severe. If the tire has a puncture smaller than a quarter inch, you can use a puncture repair kit. Simply place the deflated tire into a pool of water, and keep turning it to find the puncture. Once found, simply repair it.

Where can I purchase replacement tires for my lawn mower?

You can purchase replacement tires for your lawn mower at most hardware or home improvement stores. Tractor and farm supply stores will also hold stock of common lawn mower tires. If you still struggle to find one, you can always buy a mower tire online.

Can I use inner tubes in tubeless mower tires?

Yes, if your tubeless mower tire has been damaged beyond repair, you can use inner tubes. This is not necessary if the lawn mower tire has a puncture of only a quarter inch or smaller. You can also put inner tubes in tubeless mower tires to prevent punctures.

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