When you are using a tractor, there is actually no guarantee that your tire is not going to break down. It can happen anytime due to bad luck. For this you need to be prepared, you need to know how to change/replace a tractor tire.
There is no specific time for when your tractor tire might give up, better be prepared from before. The tire may collapse suddenly or it may have been worn out from before due to usage. Your lawn tractor tire also needs maintenance from time to time.
How to Replace a Lawnmower or Tractor tire
You do not need to change or replace tractor tires as often as car tires, though they need some maintenance from time to time. By now you are pretty much aware of the reasons why you should replace your tractor tires. Here is a step-by-step on how to replace your tractor or lawnmower tires.
Know the type of tire and wheel
First and foremost, you should know what type of tires you are using for your tractors. You cannot choose a tire if you do not know what kind of tires you use for your lawnmower or tractor. Some tires have a nut in the center because they are tubeless tires.
The tires that you see with two or four nuts, are the tires with a tube. They typically take more time to remove. They are also one of the most common type of tires among tractors. There this another kind of tire, they are known as spindle wheel. They are mostly used on riding mowers, they require more effort to repair and remove.
So, you should know which type of tire you are working with. If you don’t, you will be wasting your money on the wrong type of tires. Forgoing any further, shop for the right kind of tire.
Check for the size
Before you go for shopping any replacement for your lawn mower tire, check the size for your tires. Getting the right size is important, otherwise, it will be useless. Here are some ways to check for your tire size:
Firstly, look for the numbers on the tire. They will tell you about the size of that tire. The first number represents the diameter/thickness of the tire. The the second number is the width. The last number is the rim size of the lawnmower tire
After this, you can go to the shop and look at the tire according to the numbers. Make sure you get the correct numbers. The numbers are important to save time and money.
Lock the Wheels
You can proceed with changing your lawn mower tires after you have looked for and found the appropriate type and size for the tire. Now you will have to lock the wheels in their place. Here are tips to how you should proceed to that:
First, you have to place the machine in the gear of your lawnmower and activate the parking brake in it. Lawnmowers usually have a brake system or lock system which keeps the wheels static. Activate that brake or lock system. After putting the mower in lock mode, the wheels are not supposed to move when you start working with it, so you are good to go.
Lift the Mower Up
You need to lift up your tractor/mower after you are done locking the wheels. Before you start lifting up the mower tractor, park it on a flat space, where the ground is even.
Use a floor jack or jack stand to lift up your tractor/mower, then place it on the frame of the mower. The jack can be used to raise the mower/tractor from one of the wheel sides.
Use a platform or slab to lift it up the mower if it is not a tractor or a riding mower. But make sure that the mower is secured when you are lifting it up, or it may fall when you are working.
Detach the Wheels
When you are replacing a tire, no matter what type it is, whether a tube or tubeless tire, you have to remove it from the tractor/mower first.
If you are working with a Tube Tire, then remove the 4 nuts first; they are responsible for keeping the rim attached to the mower. You need to use a socket wrench or a lug wrench in order to remove the tires.
After removing the nuts from the wheel of the mower pull them off. Take precautions while pulling the wheel because too much movement of the mower can make it fall.
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For Tubeless Tire
Simply remove the cap on the single-nut system of the tire. Grab a set of pliers and then remove the pin slowly. Use a socket wrench if possible or a lug wrench to get the nut out properly. Slide the wheel off the mower axle after that. Look if any washer that falls from the tire.
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For Spindle Wheels
Removing a piece of black rubber boot on the spindle that protects it. You should use pliers when removing the black rubber boot by pulling it off. Do not pull it too hard, there is a chance that you could tear it off if you do.
Now you will see there is a metal C-clip on it. Use a flat-head screwdriver to get that clip off. This part could get lost easily because it is small, so be careful when doing it.
You will see a retaining ring that you have to remove. Use needle-nose pliers for that and remove the ring properly. Try not to lose the washers, they come off as well.
After that, you will have free access to the key which keeps the rim attached to the mower or tractor. Remove that part with a set of pliers. Then finish by taking the wheel off the mower or tractor.
Once you are done with that, the rest of the process is much easier and very straightforward.
Remove the Rim
After removing the rim, the rest of the part is relatively easier. However, it will require some strength of yours. It may be much helpful if you do this with someone else who is stronger to make things much easier if you are not particularly strong for this.
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Tube tire
For when you are working with a Tube Tire, deflate the tire first. Then remove the valve stem cap from it and let it collapse completely. This process could take nearly around 30 seconds more or less. If it was already deflated, then you won’t have to do anything.
When it is done, now use a pry bar or a flat-head screwdriver that can pry the tire off the rim. If that tire is deflated, then you should take a look at the inner tube. If the inner tube is damaged, then you may need to replace it as well.
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Tubeless tire
When you are dealing with Tubeless Tires, you should prepare a mix of dish soap and water in a small bowl for it. After that grab a brush and spread it on the area that connects the tire with the rim.
Then place two flat-head screwdrivers and pry that tire out of the rim very carefully. This has to be done on both sides. When doing that, try to get the tire out of the rim real slow. This might require a little more strength than you expected.
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For Spindle Wheels
You will have direct access to the valve core after taking the wheel off the mower. From the valve core, you inflate and deflate the tire and unscrew it.
Now it is time to grab a pry bar or tire iron and break both sides of the wheel. Then go on and try separating the tire from its rim. Finish taking off the tire completely, and be careful not to cause any damage to the rim while you do it.
Mount the New Tire
After freeing the old tire from its rim, now it is time for you to mount the new replacement wheels. Now, how you should proceed depends on what kind of tire you are dealing with here.
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For Tube Tires
you have to place the tire on the inner rim and push it hard to fit inside the rim. Then you have to grab the outer part of the rim before you put it inside the tire.
You got to be sure that the inner tube of the tire is also inside. Be sure to connect the tire properly to the valve, if it happens to be a replacement tube.
Make sure that the tube doesn’t pinch when you inflate it, so check the tube whether is located adequately inside. Finish getting the tire rim done with the help of a pry bar or flat-head screwdrivers.
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Tubeless tires
When you are dealing with Tubeless Tires, you have to proceed in a different way. Now you will have to use soapy water and brush for this. Apply some soap and water on the parts that connect directly to the rim and the tire.
When you apply soap and water to the parts where they connect with the rim, try sliding the rim into the tire by using the pry bar. Flat-head screwdrivers may also work instead of iron bars.
You can apply as much soapy water you need to smooth out the process for sliding the tube and the tire. But be sure to get the tire on the rim properly when you do.
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Spindle wheel
If it is a Spindle Wheels, then it is recommended that you use a lubricant or tire lube for it to smooth out in the process. If you apply this lubricant to the tire beads, then it should fit more easily.
It would be appropriate to place the tire onto the rim at 45 degrees. Because this angle will force the rim inside, so the tire will fit in after being pushed once if it is strong enough.
At first, one part will get inside the tire, then the other will needs to be pushed a little to get inside.
The tire should get inside if it uses a tube. Make sure it fits well inside and matches properly with the valve. Secure the tire the beads into the rim by using a ratchet strap or something similar to it.
Inflate the Tire
Whether its a tube tire or a spindle wheel for a standard tire, take a look onto the air compressor and fill it accordingly.
Remember that you have to place the inflating valve in the right place if you want to prevent any issue. Look for the correct pressure in PSI before you start, and use the PSI meter as well.
Attach the air hose to the wheel valve to let it inflate. Check if the PSI is at the right level because if it is not then inflating or deflating is needed.
Reattach the Wheel
After the tire is inflated and inside the rim, it is time to set them up on the mower. You have to proceed in different ways for different types of tires.
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Tube Tires
Place the wheel back into the axle carefully. You have to be sure that it goes deep into the axle until the screws for the nuts resurface from the rim.
Try to look for the nuts that you got off the rim before, and place them on the screws with care. Then tighten them up with a lug, socket wrench, or screwdriver.
Make sure the wheel stays fit onto the machine tightening it, and take off after that. You will realize you have installed them properly if they do not move after tightening.
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Tubeless Tires
You have to insert the wheel back into the mower axle and be sure you get deep into the mower to fit it well enough. Then place the washers and the pins inside and screw them tightly to the axel.
You got to proceed by placing the nut on the rod. Tight it with the socket wrench or lug wrench, whichever you get handy.
When finishing, insert the rubber boot over the nut and check whether the wheel comes off or not from the mower. Then you will know you have installed the wheel back properly.
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Spindle Wheels
Place the key that attaches to the mower first, then proceed by attaching the retaining ring to the piece.
You can attach the C-clip firmly after that, but be sure to use strength. Try to do that without moving the mower as little as possible. Placing the black rubber boot again on top of the spindle will finish the job for this step.
Test the Mower
By this time, you are almost near the finish line for replacing your tractor/lawnmower tire, you just need to check if the tire works as it is required.
Lower the tractor and then get the lifting jack or slab out of the way. Place the tractor upright and try to move it around for the test.
Check if the tractor/mower shakes or move in an awkward way which it is not supposed to, for assurance. If it works perfectly as it should be doing and moves smoothly, then now you know you have successfully replaced its tires.
Final Thought
Replacing your tractor tires or lawnmower tires is very essential for its maintenance. Replace the tires as soon as you see any problem with the tires or detect any faulty within them. If you are smart, you would not take the risk of working with a defective tire.
A defective tire can cause problems for your work and your tractor’s performance. Riding with a damaged tire is very risky. When you see such indications, replace the tires as quickly as possible; do not be late about it. This guide was about providing you with the steps on how to replace tractor tires.
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