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How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire – 11 Easy DIY Steps to Follow

How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire
Written by Willie Osgood
Last Update: May 3, 2023

This article is a step-by-step guide that can help you with effective tips to replace your rear wheel-tire whenever the need arises. The process involved when it comes to the installation of a new tire can be very easy and requires only a couple of parts and tools.

This guide can be used to make replacements on rear wheel tire that are of Craftsman, Husqvarna, Toro, Snapper, Murray, Yard-Man, John Deer MTD, Southern state tractor and lawn mowers.

How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire – Step By Step

How to Change a Lawn Mower Tire

Step 1: Disconnect the spark plug

  • Make sure the mower is packed on a flat surface, while the brakes are applied.
  • The ignition switch should also be turned off and the key removed.
  • Have your work gloves and goggles on; this will ensure your hands and eyes are protected.
  • Lift the hood of the riding mower, then discount the wire of the spark plug.

Step 2: Jack up the riding mower

  • Keep the mower from rolling.
  • Use a wedge on its front wheel.
  • Make sure you position underneath the frame, then jack the riding mower, and ensure the rear wheel is up above ground level.
  • A jack stand should be placed underneath the frame to help create enough support.
  • Once all is set and done, take the jack off the spot.

Step 3: Remove the rear wheel

  • Take off the cover of the axle. Pull off the retaining ring and the washer.
  • Take the tire off the axle.
  • Pull off the square key.

Step 4: Remove the tire

  • Take off the valve stem cap.
  • Take away the valve stem core; this will eliminate all the air in the tire.
  • Breakdown the bead and remove the tire off the rim.
  • On the other end, the tire should also be pry of the rim too.

Step 5: Breaking the Beads

  • At this point you have direct access to the valve. Release the air carefully by unscrewing off the valve and replacing it afterward.
  • Then break both outside and inside bead using an iron. But this should be done with caution, to avoid hitting the rim directly.
  • Remove the tube if the mower has one.

Step 6: Install the new tire on the rim

  • Clean up the entire rim before the installation
  • Make sure the new tire you intend using is placed flat on the work area.
  • Use detergent to lubricate the tire top.
  • Now, you need to pry the rim and make sure it fits into the upper part of the tire.
  • Flip the tire and the rim over.
  • Use detergent to lubricate the bead.
  • Finally, pry the other part of the tire directly into the rim.

Step 7: Seal the bead to the rim

  • Refill the tire then seat the bead.
  • Replace the valve core.
  • Make sure the tire is entirely filled with air.
  • Force the bead out by tightening its straps.
  • Seat the bead of the tire by filling it up with air.
  • Replace the valve stem and refill the tire with air; this will ensure the bead is seated.

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

  • Slide up the axle and arrange the key slots within the axle and rim.
  • Use anti-seize agent of the square key.
  • Force the key to gain access into the rim.
  • Replace the washer and then snap the ring that retains it to the axle.
  • Push the cover of the axle on the wheel.

Step 9: Fill It with Air

  • Attach the air hose to the tire, and then fill it up with enough air and you’re good to go.

Step 10: Lower the riding mower

  • Place the jack underneath the frame and lift the mower.
  • Take off the jack stand.
  • Lower down the mower and makes sure it comes in contact with the ground.
  • Take off the blocks that you place in the front tires initially.

Step 11: Reconnect the spark plug

  • Lift up the tractor hood.
  • Make sure the hood is lowered and reconnect the plug.

Conclusion

I bet the steps above are detailed enough to cover all steps and process needed. I’m you can do this irrespective of your gender or level of technicality –you can go ahead and explore to get something better.

About the author

Willie Osgood

An Avid Metalworker

Willie doesn’t really consider himself an artist, rather a craftsman involved in practical trades. Yet, most of his projects require him to make interesting and fine objects. Being the eldest son of a carpenter, his background is 100 percent rooted in crafting. He found the art of blacksmithing quite appealing since his teenage years… that fire, the sound of swinging hammers, and those long and shiny blades that came out as a finished product. Soon he literally became obsessed with metal – the way it moved, worked, and changed when heated or cooled.

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