A tractor trier can give up at any given moment, there’s actually no specific timing in reality. If it is worn out or there’s have been a need for replacement, the chances of sudden collapse can be pretty high. So, you should have a good idea of how to change a garden tractor tire.
Also, there are cases where you get yourself a lawn tractor that needs regular maintenance. So, you need to adept the skill of how to replace lawn tractor tire for minimal maintenance.
No matter what your needs are, we are here to talk about a process that can help greatly. Keep on Reading!
How to Change a Tractor Tire: Overall Process in Detail.
Actually, changing a garden tractor tire is not daunting at all. It’s pretty simple and anybody can do it. You just need some basic tool application knowledge. Don’t worry we will get into all that information regarding in following steps.
Also, the job needs you to understand how are tractor tire size involved. This is important to figure out your earlier tractor’s size and get the new one. You can follow the guideline or manual that comes along with your mower.
It should have some instructions on how to read tire numbers for your lawn. Usually, the manufacturer also has some section on their website about how to read tire information. You can use those as well.
Anyway, once you sort out those issues, you’re good to move on for the overall replacement or changing process.
Lock Down Mode.
- Your mower needs to stay in place when you change the tire. So, to make that happen simply use the lockdown mode.
- In this case, you will simply utilize the parking brake first. This will avoid any rolling at all. And so, your tires are going to stand in one place.
- Make sure you are leaving the rim over axle. This is to maintain the leverage for following change jobs. Also, it’s going to help you by shortening the amount of time needed for this replacement chore.
Tire Above the Ground Position.
- When you work for your car’s tire replacement, there’s a simple tool to use. It’s called the floor jack. In this case as well, you will need to use the tool.
- The floor jack is going to bring a tractor tire above ground. So that you can easily perform tire change. You should start by placing this floor jack under some frame rail or cross member. So that any possible damage can be avoided.
- Now simply crank the tool. This will gradually bring the tire of lawn tractor quite high from ground.
- You should, however, do the whole job at ground level. Because otherwise, it might risk your and the tractor’s safety. So, a preferable choice for this task is stone or cement.
- Finally, you will need to engage the jack’s safety latch part.
Before Tire Removal.
- There are different types and varieties available for a mower or garden tractor. In some cases, the front tire of these tractors stays on spindles.
- In such cases, it is important that you focus on the black rubber boot. You need to remove these. Usually, they reside on the end of spindle covering it.
- You are going to need a pair of pliers here. Simply hold the boot entirely with plier’s head. Now gradually pull and it should come off easily. Make sure you are not forcefully pulling. This can cause tears.
- Now you should be able to see that the tire is on a tiny metal C-clip. You need to pry it off. Simply use a flat-headed screwdriver to do so. Sometimes the C-clip has a chance to suddenly pop out and fly off. So be careful of that.
- There are a few cases of rear tire holing the rim and axle together. Usually, it is held with a key. Before you make the replacement, this key needs to be removed.
- Use a slip-joint plier here. Now simply pull out the axle cover or hubcap that is covering it. You can use both the pulling and twisting method here. This will help you to easily get it out without any problem.
- Now use a needle-nose plier. This is for taking hold of the retaining ring. You should remove them easily with the pliers. Next, follow the same for washers. You can also use your hands, in this case, to take it off.
- Finally, the key should be accessible at this point. By simply using pliers you can pull out this key and remove a wheel.
Beads Breaking.
- It’s time to deal with the valve core. Start by unscrewing this valve core. Now carefully get the entire air out from tire gradually. This is the tire you’ll be replacing.
- For the next step, you will need a tire iron. Use it for breaking both the outside and inside bead. Chances are high that you are going to hit the rim. So be careful enough to not do so.
- Now simply go for the inner bead of mower if there’s any. Work the bead outside rim gradually. Do this for the next every rim inside.
New Tire Fitting.
- Finally, you are at the very last stage of today’s tutorial. Start by oiling the bead of new tire. You can use a tire lube or some penetrating lubricant here for oiling.
- Then you will start setting the tire on rim. You should fit it with a 45-degree angle. Using your physical force, push rim inside the tire as much as possible.
- Now get back to using a tire iron. You need it for working the bead around rim this time. Let the inner-tube get inside if there’s any.
- Finally use the ratchet strap on tire beads. This will secure them overall. After getting the new tire on rim, just reverse entire process that you used for taking off everything.
- Using an air hose, it’s time to pump the new tire. Once you think it has the right amount of air inside stop pumping. And you are done!
The Right Time to Change Tire?
The most important factor here after knowing replacement method is understanding what signals tell you that it’s time to change your garden tractor’s old tire. As we all know, garden tractors are one of the most neglected equipment these days.
People tend to forget that these need frequent checkups and replacement after a certain period of time. Here are some good indications for you that say, it’s time to change the tractor tire.
- There is dry rot at the sidewall of tire.
- Within a very short period of time, your garden tractor tire is losing the air pressure.
- The tread is showing more than one cut in. There are also problems with chunks missing.
- When driving down or up the hills, traction seems to be pretty weak.
- The ride feels somewhat rough and bouncy.
Conclusion
This was my simple guide on how to change a garden tractor tire. If you ever feel that more than one indication that I mentioned right above is suddenly showing up with your garden tractor, don’t be late to make a tire replacement.
There are very frequent cases, where the whole mechanism starts failing and eventually stops working permanently because of not replacing problematic parts.
And tire is one of the most terrible things on this list. A damaged and improper tire is also quite risky to ride with. So, the wise person here will never take a chance and replace them as soon as he or she notices any problem.