changing tires on a riding lawn mower

rcrcomputing · May 30, 2005

Dumb question,

I've gotten a murry riding lawnmower running again after sitting for many years. However, at least two of the tires are not going to make it. 7 years outside is a long time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

So is changing the tires a major pain and I should take it to someone with the correct tools?

DmansPadge · May 30, 2005

There aren't to bad if you've done some before. Normally just a couple of pry bars, a hammer (or big screwdrivers) and some soapy water will do the trick. But if you buy the tires from somebody that mounts them also, it probably wouldn't cost much to just let them do them.

Good luck.

Bird · May 30, 2005

The only problem is that sometimes the bead doesn't want to seat; i.e., the beads on opposite sides of the tire don't want to expand out against the rim. If that happens, put some kind of strap all the way around the tire, right in the middle of the tread and tighten it until the beads spread out to the rim. As soon as it starts to inflate, you have to release the strap.

beenthere · May 30, 2005

Not a problem, until it comes to seating the bead, as Bird points out. However, some of the small tractor replacement tires are so thin that tightening the 'belt' around them doesn't bring the bead of the tire close to the rim, like it does with car tires. Without tubes, this can be a real headache. Totally frustrating on occasions with me. Really time consumming too. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Yet some are a piece of cake. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Some inventions that are used but dangerous, is to squirt some ether into the tire, and throw a match in there. Problem is the explosion may do more than just seat the rim. Stories of tires flying around the shop are told and people getting hurt are also heard about. So, I don't recommend it, but finally in desperation tried it. It worked. Had the tire seated on the rim and all the body parts accounted for.

If changing them isn't something you do occasionally, then I would buy the replacements at a tire shop and get them to mount them.

Nasty135 · May 30, 2005

If your putting new tires (soft)on and not another set of used tires (hard) it shouldn't be difficult... Assuming your using an air compressor (not one that plugs into cigarette lighter)with some volume... A little dish soap works well for helping seal the bead(no oil, bad for tire ,unless wesson oil) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You can do this , Its not very difficult, Tubed or tubeless..
Just have to be careful with tubes, not to pinch'em /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

rcrcomputing · May 30, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
Some inventions that are used but dangerous, is to squirt some ether into the tire, and throw a match in there. Problem is the explosion may do more than just seat the rim. Stories of tires flying around the shop are told and people getting hurt are also heard about. So, I don't recommend it, but finally in desperation tried it. It worked. Had the tire seated on the rim and all the body parts accounted for.

)</font>
Ummm, okey dokey.. The tire man it is then. Especially on 3 or 4 of them.. I value my life.

JoeDizzy · May 30, 2005

I had a flat on the front left tire of my zero turn. I took it in to a local tire shop, where they plugged it and put a rope around the tire, tied it in a knot(shoelace style), placed screwdriver between the rope and tire, twisted the screwdriver until the rope was fairly tight (engaging bead to rim) and pumped it up. Cost me $5 for air, plug and lesson. This guy definitely knew what he was doing.

ronnie2005 · May 31, 2005

Actually that's a good price, I would pay that much just to avoid the aggravation.

I once charged a customer 5.25 for fixing his carburator with a 2oz hammer. .25 for labor, 5.00 for knowing what to hit.

BRIGUY · May 31, 2005

Another trick is to remove the core from the valve stem when seating the tire, it allows for much more flow. It is also a good Idea to get an air chuck with a lock on it so the chuck stays on by it's self and you have 2 free hands to rastle with the bead.

cphilip · Jun 1, 2005

I find a good ratchet type motocycle tie down strap does this the easiest. Getting the tire to fatten out onto the beads that is. Easier than keeping the darn rope centered while you try and twist it with a screwdriver I find...

And if you look at Northern Tools or someplace like that they should have a tire changer kit for like 30 bucks. Does up to about 20" wheel tires. Pretty handy kit. Rack, Bead breaker and all in there... Bolt it down to a bench and your good to go.

Wesson oil? Holy cow.... nothing but pure Virgin Olive oil for me! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif