DIY Guide to Choosing the Right Riding Lawn Mower Tires. John deere lawn mower tires

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DIY Guide to Choosing the Right Riding Lawn Mower Tires

In 1837 blacksmith John Deere fashioned his first polished-steel plow. These days, the John Deere company is making self-driving tractors. The John Deere Tango autonomous mower is out there driving itself around distant yards with white picket fences. The Husqvarna Automower competes with it in the war of the mowing robots.

Lawn mowers have come a long way, and now they’re going a long way without the help of a human operator. But for those of us who aren’t interested in letting a robot do the work for us, there’s still the big world of riding lawn mowers and the people who love to use them.

Riding lawn mowers are state-of-the-art, and so are the tires. If you have some serious mowing to do, it helps to have a tire that can handle the type of terrain you need to tackle. Here’s a rundown on the world of riding lawn mowers and riding lawn mower tires.

Difference Between a Riding Mower and a Tractor

A lawn tractor is a heavy-duty beast of a machine for large jobs. Manufacturers took the farm tractor prototype and miniaturized it, attaching a deck with blades to the bottom. Consider a tractor if you have more than half an acre to tackle, and an incline to ascend. According to Consumer Reports, tractors get better traction than riding mowers, so they’re better for hills, and you get a reliably even cut.

The zero-turn-radius riding mower (ZTR) isn’t great for hills. However, these mowers have better maneuverability than tractors, so they’re best if you have plenty of obstacles to deal with in your lawn. They’re also faster than tractors. While tractors cut a 42- to 54-inch swath, ZTRs cut 42- to 60-inches. The best ZTRs cut as evenly as tractors and are a lot like the mowers landscapers use.

If you don’t have a ton of money or space to store a tractor, and your lawn is smaller than an acre, the rear-engine rider may be right for you. Be advised, they only cut a 30-inch swath, they’re slower than both ZTRs and tractors, and they don’t get as even of a cut.

Both ZTRs and rear-engine riders have gas-powered, one or two cylinder engines in the rear, while the tractor’s engine is in the front. There are also electric options, such as the Ryobi R48110. All types of riding mowers can side-discharge, mulch, or bag grass clippings. The best kind for you depends on the nature of your yard’s terrain.

Lawn Mower Maintenance

Like any vehicle, your riding lawn mower requires maintenance over time. An electric requires blade-sharpening, and a gas-powered requires tune-ups and oil changes. Mike Lafollette from Angie’s List recommends taking the DIY approach. To tune up his own mower, Mike spent 30, while the professionals quoted him 50 to 75.

Mike took the following steps to tune his mower:

  • Disconnect spark plug
  • Drain oil
  • Install a new air filter
  • Install a new spark plug
  • Use a metal file or bench grinder to sharpen the blade
  • Add new oil and gas
  • Connect spark plug

Additionally, you’ll want to check and make sure your tires aren’t worn-out. A worn-out tire won’t get the traction you need. There’s not a lot worse than finding yourself sliding down a steep incline on a mower. If your riding lawn mower tires are damaged, consult a sizing and buying guide.

Riding Lawn Mower Tires: What to Look for

There are multiple types of riding lawn mower tires to choose from, and you want to make sure you buy a tire that’s right for your mower. If you’re running a tractor and your lawn’s on a hill, you want a tractor tire that offers toughness and traction. The Carlisle Fast Trax is a low profile tire for maximum speed, and it has an aggressive tread pattern for maximum traction on hills.

If you’re running a ZTR, there are specific tires for those too. The Carlisle AT101 has a design that makes it ideal for the maneuverability a zero-turn-radius requires. It also offers good traction so you can get the most out of your ZTR in diverse terrain.

For an affordable, all-around tire that will go great on your rear-engine rider, the Carlisle Straight Rib is good call. Straight Rib tires are tough, with a long life and good traction; they’re cheap riding lawn mower tires that won’t leave ruts in your lawn when it’s a little wet outside but you need to get the job done.

The Luxury of Riding

Overall, a riding lawn mower enables you to cut your grass faster than a manual-reel (the old-fashioned kind), a push mower, or a self-propelled mower. And there’s something downright luxurious and fun about sitting back and steering your way around your lawn.

If you’re like Stephen Volkins, you take the speed factor seriously. Clocking in at 87 mph, Volkins broke the 80 mph landspeed mowing record with the Runningblade—a custom-made mower that’s not even on the market. Don’t worry, there are a number of other luxurious mowers you can buy. As autonomous mowers whir their way into the market, riding lawn mower manufacturers keep making more advanced technology to stay ahead of the robotic competition.

DIY Guide to Choosing the Right Riding Lawn Mower Tires was last modified: September 13th, 2017 by Tires-Easy

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 Remove a Tire From a John Deere Lawn Tractor

Whether you need to replace a front tire, or just repair it, you’ll need to remove it from the lawn tractor. Unlike taking a tire off a car, a tractor tire is simply slid onto the axle. It’s then secured with a snap ring. That’s all there is to it. So, all you need are some tools to remove the tire. Even if you don’t know all the mechanics of a lawn tractor, you can still perform this task in just a matter of minutes.

Put on a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. Look underneath the front of the tractor with a flashlight or a trouble light. Locate the front hanger bracket which is in the middle of the tractor, behind the front frame piece.

Place a jack underneath the John Deere lawn tractor at the end of the front hanger bracket. Raise the jack up until the front tires are just off the ground.

Place a jack stand under each side of the front frame where the axle connectors are attached.

Place a block behind each rear tire to prevent the John Deere lawn tractor from moving and sliding off the jack.

Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic center cap off the front wheel. Use the pliers to remove the snap ring from the end of the axle. The tips of the pliers fit into the holes on the ring so you can pull it off.

  • Place a jack underneath the John Deere lawn tractor at the end of the front hanger bracket.
  • Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry the plastic center cap off the front wheel.

Slide the tire off the axle of the John Deere lawn tractor.

Remove The Front Rim On A Lawn Tractor For Tire Repair

Park your lawn tractor on a flat, level surface, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Place two bricks directly behind the rear tires to prevent the tractor from rolling. Lower the jack so the tractor rests on the jack stands. Grasp the axle cover on the wheel with a pair of adjustable pliers, and pull it straight off. You may need to wiggle it side to side to remove it. Tap the axle cover onto the axle with a rubber mallet. Remove the two bricks behind the rear wheels and press the spark plug boot tightly onto the spark plug.

Always park your tractor on a flat, level surface before you begin to work on it.

John deere lawn mower tires

Can’t find your lawn tractor tire listed here, search a large database of lawn tractor tire fitments at Tractordata.com

Manufacturer Type Model Model Year Model_Number Front Tires Back Tires Notes
Ariens Log Splitter 27-Ton Log Splitter 917001 N/A 16 x 4.8
Ariens Log Splitter 34-Ton Log Splitter 917002 N/A 16 x 4.8 Tire should be highway rated to 45 mph
Ariens Tiller Front Tine Tiller 902032 N/A 1.75 x 8
Ariens Lawn Tractor Garden Tractor 54 936043 16 x 6-6 20 x 8-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Ariens Lawn Tractor Lawn Tractor 42 936042 15 x 6-6 18 x 9.5-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Ariens Lawn Tractor Lawn Tractor 46 936044 15 x 6-6 18 x 9.5-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Ariens Zero Turn Mower Max Zoom 48 991073 13 x 5-6 20 x 10-10
Ariens Zero Turn Mower Max Zoom 52 991074 13 x 5-6 20 x 10-10
Ariens Zero Turn Mower Max Zoom 60 991075 13 x 5-6 20 x 10-10
Ariens Edger Precision Edger 986101 1.75 x 7.50 1.75 x 7.50
Ariens Tiller Rear Tine Tiller 901028 13 x 5-6 N/A
Ariens Trimmer String Trimmer 946150 N/A 14″
Craftsman Riding Mower GT 5000 16 x 6.5-6 23 x 10.5-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Craftsman Riding Mower YT 3000 15 x 6-6 18 x 9.5-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Craftsman Riding Mower YT 4000 15 x 6-6 18 x 9.5-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Craftsman Riding Mower YT 4500 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8 OEM Tire: Turf Saver
Husqvarna Riding Mower Crown Series GTH2250 15 x 6-6 23 x 10.5
Husqvarna Riding Mower Crown Series GTH2550 15 x 6-6 23 x 10.5
Husqvarna Riding Mower Crown Series YTH1542 15 x 6-6 20 x 10
Husqvarna Riding Mower Crown Series YTH1746 15 x 6-6 20 x 10
Husqvarna Riding Mower Crown Series YTH2046 15 x 6-6 20 x 10
Husqvarna Riding Mower Value Series LT1238 15 x 6-6 18 x 8.5
Husqvarna Riding Mower Value Series LTH1342 15 x 6-6 18 x 8.5
Husqvarna Riding Mower XP Series GTH2550XP 15 x 6-6 23 x 10.5
Husqvarna Riding Mower XP Series YTH1542XP 15 x 6-6 20 x 10
Husqvarna Riding Mower XP Series YTH1848XP 15 x 6-6 20 x 10
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA105 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA105 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA115 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA115 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA125 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA125 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA135 SE 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA135 SE 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA145 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA145 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA155 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA155 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA165 16 x 6.5-8 22 x 9.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA165 16 x 6.5-8 22 x 9.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 100 Series LA175 16 x 6.5-8 22 x 9.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 100 Series LA175 16 x 6.5-8 22 x 9.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 1999 GT Series GT225 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2000 GT Series GT225 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2001 GT Series GT225 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2002 GT Series GT225 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2003 GT Series GT225 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 1999 GT Series GT235 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2000 GT Series GT235 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2001 GT Series GT235 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2002 GT Series GT235 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2003 GT Series GT235 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2002 GT Series GT245 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2003 GT Series GT245 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower GX Series GX255 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower GX Series GX325 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower GX Series GX335 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower GX Series GX345 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower GX Series GX355 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower LT Series LT150 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower LT Series LT160 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower LT Series LT180 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower LT Series LT190 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower LT Series LTR180 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower LX Series LX266 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X465 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X475 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X485 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X485SE 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12 Heavy Duty All Purpose Tires
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X495 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X575 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X585 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X585SE 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12 Heavy Duty All Purpose Tires
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X585SE 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12 Heavy Duty All Purpose Tires
John Deere Riding Mower X Series X595 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X300/38X 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X300/38X 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X300/42M 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X300/42M 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X300/42X 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X300/42X 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X300R 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X300R 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-8
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X304 (4WS) 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X304 (4WS) 15 x 6-6 20 x 10-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X320 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X320 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X324 (4WS) 15 x 6.-6 20 x 10-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X324 (4WS) 15 x 6.-6 20 x 10-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X340 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X340 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X300 Series X360 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X300 Series X360 15 x 6.5-8 22 x 11-10
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X500 Series X500/48X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Turf
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X500 Series X500/48X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Turf
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X500 Series X500/54X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Turf
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X500 Series X500/54X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Turf
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X500 Series X520/54X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Heavy Duty All Purpose
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X500 Series X530/54X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Heavy Duty All Purpose
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X500 Series X534 (4WS) 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 9.5-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Turf
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X500 Series X534 (4WS) 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 9.5-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Turf
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X500 Series X540/54X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Heavy Duty All Purpose
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X500 Series X540/54X 16 x 6.5-8 24 x 12-12 Front Tires: Turf Back Tires: Heavy Duty All Purpose
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X700 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X700 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X720 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X720 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X720SE 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X720SE 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X724 18 x 7-8 26 x10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X724 18 x 7-8 26 x10.5-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X728 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X728 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X728SE 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X728SE 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X729 18 x 8.50-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X729 18 x 8.50-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X729 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X729 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X740 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X740 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X744 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X744 18 x 8.5-8 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X748 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X748 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X748SE 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X748SE 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2009 X700 Series X749 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
John Deere Riding Mower 2010 X700 Series X749 18 x 8.5-10 26 x 12-12
Snapper Zero Turn Mower 150Z Series 18.5/33 11 x 4-4 18 x 8.5-4
Snapper Zero Turn Mower 150Z Series 21/42 11 x 4-4 18 x 8.5-4
Snapper Zero Turn Mower 150Z Series 26/50 11 x 4-4 18 x 8.5-4
Snapper Zero Turn Mower 355Z Series 24/46 11 x 4-5 20 x 8-10
Snapper Zero Turn Mower 355Z Series 26/54 11 x 4-5 20 x 8-10
Snapper Zero Turn Mower 500Z Series 26/48 11 x 4-5 20 x 8-10
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT125 Series LT2342 15 x 6-6 20 x 10 Option of 6 or 8 inch rear wheel
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT125 Series LT2446 15 x 6-6 20 x 10 Option of 6 or 8 inch rear wheel
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT130 AWS Series LT2346 AWS 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-10
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT200 Series LT18538 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT200 Series LT2042 15 x 6-6 20 x 8-8
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT200 Series LT2044 15 x 6-6 22 x 10-8
Snapper Lawn Tractor LT200 Series LT2250 15 x 6-6 22 x 10-8
Snapper Riding Mower RE200 Series RE13530 13 x 5-6 16 x 6.5-8
Snapper Riding Mower Rear Engine 28115BV 11 x 4-4 16 x 6.5-8
Snapper Riding Mower Rear Engine 28125BVE 11 x 4-4 16 x 6.5-8
Snapper Riding Mower Rear Engine 30115BV 11 x 4-4 16 x 6.5-8
Snapper Riding Mower Rear Engine 30125BVE 11 x 4-4 16 x 6.5-8
Snapper Riding Mower Rear Engine 33175BVE 11 x 4-4 16 x 6.5-8
Toro Riding Mower GT2000 Series GT2200 16 x 6.5-8 23 x 9.5-12
Toro Riding Mower LX Series LX423 15 x 6.-6 20 x 8-8
Toro Riding Mower LX Series LX427 15 x 6.-6 20 x 8-8
Toro Riding Mower LX Series LX468 15 x 6.-6 20 x 8-8
Toro Zero Turn Mower TimeCutter Z4200 10 x 4 18 x 7
Toro Zero Turn Mower TimeCutter Z4235 10 x 4 18 x 7.5
Toro Zero Turn Mower TimeCutter Z5030 11 x 4 18 x 9.5 Smooth Front
Toro Zero Turn Mower TimeCutter Z5035 11 x 4 18 x 9.5 Ribbed Front
Toro Zero Turn Mower TimeCutter Z5060 11 x 4 18 x 9.5 Ribbed Front
Toro Zero Turn Mower Titan ZX5000 11 x 4 20 x 8.5 Smooth Front

What causes flat tires in lawnmowers and how do deal with it?

Once in a while, the tires on your mower will go flat. However, it is something that does not always require a quick fix. Quick fixes would only escalate the problem to a point where punctures become frequent. Based on our experience with different types of lawnmowers, when tires go flat often, it signals a problem that could be deeply seated than imagined. It is always that time you dug deeper and unearthed the real cause of flattening tires on your mower. Do they have holes? Is it because of tread wear? Or could it be that tire sidewalls have cracks?

The truth is that some tire problems are hard to determine unless you carry out an extensive diagnosis. It also means that the procedure for fixing flat lawnmower tires varies depending on the cause. But first, take note of the following causes of flat tires:

Sharp objects cause tire puncture

Another known cause of flat tires in lawnmowers is the presence of sharp objects on the lawn. It could be broken glass, a nail, or a screw. The nature of a tire blowout should shed some light on the nature of the object. Most importantly, inspecting the tires could occasion a dreaded find such as broken glass pieces lodged in tire treads. While you can clear lawns before mowing so that they are free from stones, pebbles, and puncture-causing objects, smaller objects are often hard to spot.

Leaky valve stem

Valve stem makes it possible to inflate or deflate tires. You should ensure that mower tires have optimal pressure-not too high or too low to cause a puncture/blowout. The right pressure for lawnmower tires is something we explore next, so keep reading to learn more. Meanwhile, you should note that valve stems also wear and tear or could get damaged. Other causes of damage to the valve stem are corrosion and dirt. Should you discover that the valve stem is causing frequent flat tires, get help from a local service provider/repairer. From our end of the bargain, we would advise that you buy new valve stems before it is too late to make a fix. You can find Lawn Mower Valve Stems here.

What is the right lawnmower tire pressure?

First off, take note that tire pressure should not be too high or too low. Both extremes are always bound to cause problems. You should, therefore, inflate your lawnmower tires to optimal pressure (psi). The big question is whether there is a standard pressure gauge for these machines or varies depending on the model. The good news is that like tires in bikes, airplanes and a car, determining the optimal tire pressure for your lawnmower is as easy as looking at the sidewall. You should spot a labeling ‘Max.Press.XX ‘where xx is the recommended psi. It could be 30, 34, or 40 psi, depending on the type of tires on your mower. For worn-out sidewalls, check the user manual for the optimal psi recommended by your lawnmower manufacturer. You can find tire pressure gauges here.

The problem with overinflating tires

While the psi labeling on tire sidewalls helps you monitor the pressure gauge, the temptation to overinflate is often real. We always think overinflating makes tires strong, sturdy, and handy. But there is a real danger that comes with it. First, it affects the braking threshold, especially in riding lawnmowers. Secondly, overinflating mower tires begets the risk of a blowout. It also speeds up tire wear and tear. With wear and tear, you should expect more problems, such as reduced traction.

Tips on fixing flat lawnmower tires

When lawn mowers tires keep going flat, cutting grass becomes painstakingly difficult. You would rather do it manually than push or ride a punctured mower. But you should not give up just yet. There are a host of things you can do to save troublesome tires. Apart from inspecting them for a puncture, a permanent fix becomes necessary. Based on our experience with these machines, we suggest fixing flat tires by doing the following:

Park the mower on a flat surface

There is a real risk of mowing lawns with flat tires. The rims may bend, and that means you will have a bigger problem to handle. As soon as you notice that a tire is flat, slowly ride/push the machine to a flat work surface and park it.

Jack up the mower

With the mower parked, put a jack under either the front or back frame depending on the flat tire’s location. Raise the machine high enough so that the jacked end allows the flat tire to spin freely. We recommend jacking it up by half-foot for stability and easy access to the wheel. It should also give you enough workspace. Put jack stands on both ends and let the mower rest on them.

Locate the puncture

When locating a puncture on your lawnmower, take note that many things cause flat tires. The next question you should ask is, what made the tires flatten? Well, roll out the hanging wheel slowly while paying close attention to objects lodged into the tire tread. When you spot something fishy, say broken glasses or wire, use a pair of pliers to pull it out. Please make sure no broken pieces remain in the tire as it could worsen the problem. If there is none, rub soapy water on the tire to locate a hole. A hissing sound and bubbles should signal a leak.

Start repair

Using a reamer tool, widen the puncture hole so that it is even. You should insert it in and out of the hole severally. For those who are learning about a reamer tool for the first time, note that it looks like a file (circular) and has a handle. Next, get the tar strip and insert it, but first, remove its protective stripping.

A strip has sticky sides that seal onto the puncture holes. Now, get a threading tool into which you insert a tar strip so that half of it goes through to the other end. You can use rubber cement to coat the strip further. The threading tool should help you insert a tar strip on the hole you made, even using a reamer tool. A third of the strip should stick out. Using a pair of scissors, cut the sticking strips as close to the tire as possible.

You can find Lawn Mower Repair kits here. If your tire is in bad shape it can be wise to install a new one. You can find Lawn Mower tires here.

Time to refill the flat tire

Following the above steps to the letter should leave the patch tightly in place. Now, it is time to test the tire for puncture once again. You can also refill it with pressure while taking care not to exceed the max limit. If the patch does not let out air, roll down the jack and remove it. You are now ready to start mowing your lawn once again. Take note that fixing holes on lawnmower tires follows the same procedure as that of car tires. The only difference is that tires in mowers are narrower and smaller. Should you find the task challenging, we recommend seeking help from a specialist to avoid causing further damage to flat tires.

Pumping your tire with a small air compressor is very convenient. You can find tire air compressors here.

How to avoid flat tires on lawnmowers

Having a flat tire on a lawnmower is one situation you don’t want to experience, especially when busy trimming grass on your backyard lawns. Thus, we suggest that you do the following to retain tire pressure at optimal:

Check pressure regularly

Checking tire pressure is a pivotal maintenance routine. Whether you do it fortnightly or every month, lawnmower tires lose air faster given their smaller size than car tires. If you don’t have a pressure gauge, consider checking into a refill station. Most importantly, especially for homesteaders who have a pressure gauge, a gauge should read both high and low pressures. You can find tire pressure gauges here.

Take care of max pressure

Maximum pressure labeling on tire sidewalls does not mean maximum refill. It could be lower. Max pressure means you should not exceed a set pressure limit lest you risk among other things, a tire burst.

Replace old worn-out tires with a new one

The chances are high that tires on your mower are losing air faster than they should because of wear and tear. You can diagnose tires manually to determine if there is a need for replacement. Take note that wear and tear do not only take place on the treads after many years of use but also the sidewalls. Experts advise against using harsh chemicals when washing your push or riding mower lest the tires wear and tear out faster. You can find Lawn Mower tires here.

Do not park in the open sun

Ever wondered why tires go flat after some weeks, especially when you park a mower under direct sunlight. The reason is pretty simple. Direct heat from the sun causes tires to crack, especially on the sidewalls. Such is a phenomenon that leads to faster wear and tear of tires. You don’t want to budget for spares only a few weeks into buying a brand new lawnmower because of recklessness.

Cut grass regularly

Long thick turf is likely to harbor obstacles that you cannot spot when mowing. Take, for example, sharp stones and broken glass, which would prick tires, causing them to go flat in the process of working. When you mow grass in your homestead regularly, you guard against such unfortunate eventualities that may cause damage to your machine. It would help if you had a clear sighting of everything lying about on the lawn before you can start mowing. Pick up the debris that might puncture tires before you start working.

Insert tubes inside each tire on your mower

Tubeless tires have become popular, but they come with high maintenance costs. Tubes prevent air loss; hence not having them inside tires means you have to be extra careful when mowing the grass. When tubeless tires hit a rut, there is a high risk of puncture. It is also noteworthy that tubeless tires tend to separate from the rim, hence more likely to go flat than the ones with tubes. You can find Lawn Mower tubes here.

Tubes, apart from keeping tires airtight, also prolong their tire lifespan. For those who do not know how to fix tubes into tires, feel free to seek the services of a professional or a lawn mowing service provider near you.

Buy quality and/or original tires

There is a real chance of buying counterfeit tires today. The risk gets more real for someone who has never considered replacing worn-out tires. So, you ask, what’s the catch with tire replacement? Well, we advise that you purchase quality original lawnmower tires from a trusted dealer. There are more than a dozen manufacturers of tires who enjoy a good reputation worldwide. Original tires will not only last long but also last their value without going flat unnecessarily. You can find Lawn Mower tires here.

Maintenance tips for keeping lawnmower tires in great working shape

When using lawnmowers, your safety should come first. While we will not look at dangers associated with flat tires, you should ensure they have optimal pressure at all times. Ensuring the longevity of mower tires, therefore, means you do the following:

  • Avoid sharp objects: Do not run over sharp objects such as nails, harpoons, rocks, cacti, porcupines, thorns, glasses, needles, and bolts. You should inspect your lawn for any of these before mowing.
  • Store the mower in shade: Construct a cool shed or a garage where you store your lawnmower when not in use. Dry rot on tires happens due to overexposure to direct sunlight. With dry rot, often manifest on the sidewalls, tires cannot contain pressure for a long lime. The risk of a blowout also becomes real.
  • Avoid chemicals while washing: When washing mower tires, do not use harsh chemicals. But if you do, rinse off with plenty of clean water.
  • Keep tire pressure optimal: Underinflated tires cannot support the weight of a mower hence risk getting damaged. On the other hand, overinflating tires puts them at risk of blowouts, something you don’t want to experience when mowing uphill/downhill.