Lawn Mowers

Changing Lawn Mower Tires

Although you probably don't think about it much, the tires on your riding lawn mower are similar to the tires on your car, in that they both need replaced regularly.While lawn mower tires don't need to be replaced as often as car tires, they do need replaced at least every few years, a job that can easily be done on your own in a few hours or less.

By following these quick and easy steps, you'll have a new set of tires on your garden tractor or riding lawn mower in no time.

First, you'll want to park your lawn mower on a flat, level surface, just as you would when changing a car tire. In fact, changing lawn mower tires is nearly identical to changing a car tire, so if you've ever done that, then this should just provide a quick overview for you.

Turn your lawn mower off, set the hand brake and remove the keys, in order to assure the mower won't move while you are changing the tires. Also, set the tires you aren't working on with blocks or bricks, so that they won't move.

Next, slightly loosen all of the lug nuts on each tire. Slip a hydraulic jack under the chassis near the tire you are replacing, and raise the tire off the ground.

Once the tire is off the ground, finish loosening the lug nuts and remove the tire. Hose out the brake drum and wheels and put in the new tire, tightening the lug nuts as much as you can. Repeat this with each tire. When the mower is back on the ground, go around and finish tightening each lug nut.

You can buy tires and wheels for your lawn mower at local tractor supply stores such as Lowes, TSC, Sears and Northern Tool. You can also buy many brands of lawn mower tires online for fairly cheap prices - tires, as well as other parts for big name brands such as Snapper, John Deere and Murray, can be found at a large variety of online stores, like CedarRapidsTire.com.

Changing your tires every few years will greatly extend the life of your riding lawn mower, so don't neglect this important maintenance.