Wheelbarrows are handy tools around the garden and take a load off of you physically. A low or flat wheelbarrow tire makes your work unnecessarily harder, so if your tire is perpetually low or badly damaged, it's a good idea to replace it. But rather than change the tire and/or tube, as you would on a bicycle, wheelbarrow tires are sold as complete wheels, including the tire, tube (as applicable), and rim.
Most wheelbarrow wheels have a single axle that fits through the center of the wheel and is secured on each end with a bracket bolted to the wheelbarrow frame. To remove the old wheel, you simply remove the two brackets and lift the wheel and axle free of the frame.
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Replacing a Wheelbarrow Tire
Step 1: Flip the Wheelbarrow Over
Flip the wheelbarrow over on a flat surface. Avoid areas with loose soil or mulch, which could make it difficult to find bolts or nuts if you drop them. The axle brackets and nuts should be visible with the wheelbarrow in this position.
Step 2: Loosen and Remove the Nuts
Using an open-end wrench or a socket wrench, loosen and remove the bracket nuts; then slide out the bolts. Set the hardware in a safe place.
Step 3: Remove the Axle From the Wheel
Lift the wheel off the wheelbarrow frame. Remove the axle from the wheel by sliding it out of the wheel's center.
Step 4: Install the New Wheel
Place the axle through the center of the new wheel and place the axle back on the wheelbarrow's frame. Fit the brackets over the ends of the axle and secure the brackets with bolts and nuts. Tighten the nuts securely. Flip the wheelbarrow back over; it is now ready to use.
Wheel Size and Price
Wheelbarrow wheels do not come in standard sizes, so it is important that you purchase the right replacement wheel for your wheelbarrow. Typical wheelbarrow wheels will be sized either 4.00 to 6 inches or 4.10 to 6 inches. The first number signifies the height of the tire sidewall and the second number (6) represents the diameter of the rim. Replacement tires are relatively low in cost and are priced from $15 to $40. This is a steal compared to purchasing a brand new wheelbarrow.
You can also choose to avoid flat tires in the first place by selecting a flat-free wheelbarrow tire replacement or trying to make one yourself. The commercial varieties are made of lightweight solid polyurethane foam that can hold up to 400 pounds. They perform the same as a pneumatic tire, just without the headache of any potential punctures or abrasions that could decrease performance. A flat-free wheelbarrow tire will be a bit more pricey than a regular tire. Budget around $35 to $60 for this type of wheel, but keep in mind that you won't have to replace it again.