How to Change a Rear Tire on a Riding Lawn Tractor

You may feel daunted by changing your lawn tractor's rear tire, but it's not as hard as you think. The proper tools make this project a straight-forward job. One important thing to keep in mind is to position the hydraulic jack firmly underneath the lawn tractor's frame. This ensures that the tractor remains safely off the ground while you replace the tire. An unstable tractor can fall, which may cause injury or damage the tractor.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Valve core removal tool
• Tire tool
• Hammer
• Tin snips
• Soap
• Spray bottle
• Ratchet strap
• Air compressor

Instructions

1. Pry off the hubcap with a flat-head screwdriver. Use pliers to remove either the e-ring or the cotter pin. The way the rear wheel is secured depends on the manufacturer. Slide the washer and wheel off the axle.

2. Insert a valve core removal tool into the valve stem. Turn the tool counterclockwise until the core is free from the stem. Set the core in a safe place.

3. Break the tire bead holding the tire to the rim with a tire tool. Insert the tire tool's edge between the tire and rim, then hit the tool with a hammer. Rotate the tire and repeat this, until the tire is loose on both sides.

4. Push down on the rear tire's back edge and insert a screwdriver between the tire and rim. Push down on the screwdriver's handle to lift the tire up and over the rim. Place a second screwdriver between the tire and rim a few inches over from the first screwdriver. Push down on the second screwdriver's handle to pull more tire over the rim. Remove the first screwdriver and insert it a few inches down from the second screwdriver. Continue this process until the rear tire is completely over the rim.

5. Pull the rim up as far as it goes. Insert a screwdriver between the rear tire and the rim's bottom edge. Use one hand to push down on the screwdriver's handle and the other hand to pull the rim out of the tire. Hit the rim with a hammer a few times to help dislodge it.

6. Cut the old valve off the rim with tin snips. Insert the new valve into the hole and screw on the valve stem tool to hold it in place. Grasp the valve stem with pliers and pull on it until it is firmly in place. Remove the valve stem tool and push on the stem to ensure that it stays in place.

7. Mix three parts water with one part soap in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture onto the new rear tire to make it more flexible. Lay the new tire on the ground and insert the rim. Insert a screwdriver between the tire and the rim and use it to help pull the tire up over the rim.

8. Flip the tire over and clamp a vise-grip to the rim's edge. Insert a screwdriver between the rim and tire. Push down on the screwdriver's handle to pull the rear tire up and over the rim. Use two screwdrivers the same way you did in Step 4 to work the tire onto the rim all the way around.

9. Wrap a ratchet strap tightly around the rear tire's tread to force the tire against the rim. Remove the ratchet strap and fill the tire to the recommended PSI with an air compressor. Replace the valve stem core and tighten it with the valve stem tool.

10. Slide the rear tire onto the lawn tractor's axle. Slide the washer on after it and use pliers to install the e-ring or cotter pin. Screw the hubcap back onto the axle's end.

References

• Murray: Instruction Book
• Troy-Bilt: Owner/Operator Manual
• YouTube; Lawn Mower Tire Change; Outdoor Distributors