Riding mowers are a matter of convenience for some homeowners and a necessity for others when cutting large areas of grass. The tires on a riding mower are designed to be durable, but due to normal use, there may be times when a tire loses air pressure. When this happens, the tire may separate from the rim. Sealing a mower tire to the rim requires a few basic steps and can be accomplished at home.
Park the riding mower on a flat and level area, leave the transmission in gear and set the parking brake. Put on gloves to protect your hands while working.
Pull the plastic cap off the axle with the flat tire. Remove the snap ring with snap ring pliers, and then pull the ring and washer off the axle. Place a tire jack under the front of the mower. Raise the mower so the flat tire is off the ground and pull the wheel and tire off the axle.
Inspect the tire for damage such as a slit or puncture that could prevent proper inflation. Remove a damaged tire from the rim by prying the tire over the rim with blade screwdrivers. Obtain a suitable replacement tire if necessary from a mower repair shop or hardware store.
Install the replacement tire onto the wheel by working the tire over the rim with the blade screwdrivers. Apply tire seal along the edge of the rim where the tire will seat.
Place a ratchet strap around the tire and pull down until snug. Apply enough pressure to the tire with the strap to force the sides of the tire down firmly against the wheel. Use a tire pump to inflate the tire partially and force the sides of the tire to seat against the rim.
Loosen the ratchet strap a little and add more air. Continue to loosen the strap and add air until you are sure the tire is securely seated on the wheel. Remove the strap, and then fill the tire completely with air. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure. Refer to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure; it is usually listed on the side of the tire.
Place the wheel and tire assembly back on the mower axle. Install the washer and snap ring, and then replace the plastic cap on the axle. Lower the mower with the jack to use the mower.
Things You Will Need
- Tire jack
- Snap ring pliers
- Blade screwdrivers
- Replacement tire
- Tire seal
- Ratchet strap
- Air pump
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