Changing a lawn tractor tire at home by hand

Jan. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- So for one reason or another you need to change the tire on your lawn tractor. Maybe the tire is dry rotted or maybe it has a hole in it somewhere. Either way we will go over how to do this at home with a few tools most people have in their toolbox. You will need 2 long flat headed screwdrivers, a pair of vise grips, some dish soap, a razor blade, hammer, New Tire and tube, and an compressor (optional).

Removing the old tire

The first thing we need to do is to remove the rim from the tractor, I know this should be self explanatory but I am trying to be thorough here (LOL). Once you have the rim in front of you find a hard surface such as a work bench or the floor. Release the air from the tire, once most of the air is out cut the valve stem off with the razor blade. Now using the hammer begin beating the tire next to the rim bead until the tire breaks free from the rim. Now you can turn the tire over and do the same thing. Once the tire is free from the rim, clamp the vise grip onto the rim lip. Now take a screwdriver and place it inside the rim next to the vise grips to hold the tire slightly up off the rim. Now using the other screwdriver slide the screwdriver around in under the bead until the tire bead has come off all the way around. Repeat this process again to remove the inner bead and remove the tire from the rim.

Installing the new tire

First you will want to lube the beads up real good with dish washing soap. Now place the tire over the rim and slowly start working the bead over the lip. This can take some effort and some force. Once you have the bottom bead on you will now want you insert your tube evenly (note if you are not replacing the tube or wish to not have a tube you can skip this step, However if you do not want a tube you must install a new valve stem). Pull the tubes valve stem up through the hole and clamp it with a pair of vise grips to keep it from falling back through (needle nose work best). Now work the top bead onto the rim using the same procedure as earlier described.

You now have installed the tire. Install enough air to get the beads to set and then set your pressure to the recommended pressure on the tire. Your job is now complete.

You can order Lawn tractor tires by visiting http://www.discounttireshopper.com/Tires/smalltires.php

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Red Fox is a blogger and writer for the automotive industry.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=R_Fox