How to install new tire on wide rim.

[Redneck in training]

I bought new tires for our mower. The problem I was facing was that the bead was about 2" away from the rim shoulder and I was not able inflate the tire to seat the bead. I tried the trick with butane and WD-40 but nothing worked. The vapors refused to explode. But then I got and idea to use exhaust of shopvac to provide the volume necessary to stretch the tire so the bead would contact the rim shoulder and then use compressor to increase the pressure enough to seat the bead.
How I did it is apparent from attached sketch.

 

[HCJtractor]

There's an easier way. Place a nylon ratchet strap around the tire on the center of the tread circumference. Tighten it down. This pushes the sidewalks out, engaging the bead. Then use normal high pressure air. As soon as the beads seat, remove the strap and inflate to normal pressure.

 

[Redneck in training]

There's an easier way. Place a nylon ratchet strap around the tire on the center of the tread circumference. Tighten it down. This pushes the sidewalks out, engaging the bead. Then use normal high pressure air. As soon as the beads seat, remove the strap and inflate to normal pressure.

I tried that one too. The distance between the bead and the rim shoulder was way to big. At least 2" on small rim.

 

[KennyG]

I don't see an attachment but I'd be interested in how you did this. I've always managed to get the ratchet strap approach to work. Your tire must have really had the beads pinched in. I probably would have tried putting blocks between the beads overnight to stretch it.

 

[stuckmotor]

I didn't see it at first either, then I clicked on what looked like a smudge, below the orignal post.

 

[DT86]

I'm not so sure WD-40 and butane will do anything.

 

[Loadstar]

-Take it to a tire shop and pay $5.
-Take it to an HVAC guy and give him $5
-Use starting fluid carefully

 

[the old grind]

... I got and idea to use exhaust of shopvac to provide the volume necessary to stretch the tire so the bead would contact the rim shoulder and then use compressor to increase the pressure enough to seat the bead. .. (sketch) ..

RIT, IMO that's a great idea! :thumbsup: The ratchet strap method can be hit or miss, and the latter all too often. tog

 

[KennyG]

Now I see it. Cool idea.

 

[crazyal]

I've had problems with the ratchet strap not being strong enough so I've used heavy duty rope with a bar through it on really tough tires. Tubes work well. As for the explosion trick, you need to use something that is easily ignitable. Starting fluid or hair spray come to mind but there's lots of people who have found out just how dangerous mounting a tire that way can be.