How to Remove Lawn Mower Tire From Rim

If you’re wondering how to remove lawn mower tire from rim, come on in and let’s talk about it! It’s one of the most common repairs you’ll need to learn how to fix, so let’s get started.

I’ve got a video project coming up (hopefully) soon. Awhile back I bought a used Cub Cadet HDS 2135 lawn mower at an auction. The idea was to fix what needed to be fixed and get it back to running condition so that I could sell it. After purchasing the machine, I noted that it needed some obvious repairs. Specifically, the tires needed some attention.

The two front tires were worn and didn’t hold air. One of the rear tires was cracked on the sidewall and also didn’t hold air. The other rear tire was in great condition, but that sort of complicated things.

Lawn Mower Tire Repair Options

This brings up a discussion about tire repair options. Since these are for off-road, low speed use, it is perfectly acceptable to put an inner tube into the tire. This inner tube replaces the air cavity, and theoretically, retains the air to inflate the tire. I say theoretically because if the sidewall is cracked all the way through, then the inner tube will just bulge out.

The tire is built from several plies, or layers, of rubber. If the machine sits for too long on a deflated tire, the tire will crack where it “folds.” If the crack proceeds through all of the plies, then the inner tube simply will not work. However, if the crack only goes through a few layers, then the inner tube option has a good chance of succeeding.

The other option is to simply replace the tires with new, tubeless tires. This is considerably more expensive, but the end result is well, new tires. That means better tread pattern and a matching set of tires. Aesthetically it’s more pleasing as well.

Tools Needed (Commissions Earned)

Where Can I Buy New Tires or Tubes?

Honestly, the best option I found for new tires and/or tubes is on Amazon. I looked around and called local places, I checked local box stores and tire places. The listed prices on Amazon are comparable, and oftentimes you can find what you need with a Prime listing to get free shipping.

These tires, specifically, had certain considerations that I had to think of. The front tires are 15×6.00-6. That is pretty much a standard size front riding mower tire. So, no issues there. However, the rear tires are 20×9-8. This size tire is obsolete, and I could not find a manufacturer that stocked this size.

The options I were left with were to purchase new tires of a different size, or to simply install inner tubes. The fact that one of my tires was still good complicated the decision. If both were bad, I would simply choose to replace the tires. But, at around $60 each, it felt like a shame to replace a good tire just to have it match the other.

Because they would have to be a different size, if I replaced one of them I would have to replace the good one as well. So, I opted just to do the inner tube, and it seems to have done the trick. The inner tube came in the exact size that I needed, and I was able to find it on Amazon. If you need this size, How to Remove Lawn Mower Tire From Rim

Regardless of whether you choose to replace the tires or install tubes, you’re going to have to know how to remove the lawn mower tire from the rim. For simplicity, I’ll go ahead and link to the video I used to learn how to take a lawn mower tire off the rim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2il8T8RpQ9w

If you just want to read how to remove lawn mower tire from rim, here are the simple instructions:

• Remove the tire from the machine.
• Cut off the tire valve flush with the rim.
• Place the tire on the floor with the valve side up.
• Stand on the tire with one foot on each side of the rim.
• Apply pressure to the tire with your feet, and prod along the bead with a long pry bar. Keep at it until the bead breaks and the tire falls away from the rim. Depending on the tire, this can take considerable effort.
• Now, flip the tire over and repeat on the other side.
• Flip it back over so the valve side is up and lube the tire with some soap.
• Place a prybar or long screwdriver into a vise and insert the rim over the top.
• Using two more prybars or long screwdrivers, insert them between the rubber and the rim on the side away from you.
• Using the prybar in the vise as a fulcrum, pull your two prybars together until the tire pops completely above the rim.

This will remove the lawn mower tire from the rim and allow you to insert a tube. If you’re opting to replace the tire completely, just repeat the steps to completely remove the tire.

To Install a New Inner Tube in a Riding Lawn Mower Tire:

• Insert the tube into the tire and make sure to stick the valve out the original hole in the rim.
• Unthread the valve stem cap and put a washer over the top. Put the cap back on. This makes sure that as you’re jostling the tire the valve stem won’t fall back inside.
• Now make sure you have the inner tube placed fully around the perimeter of the rim.
• Pull the tire down and towards you (and the rim) on the side facing away from you.
• Holding it in that position, start prying the rubber back over and down on the rim all the way around.
• When in doubt, if you’re having difficulty, use more lube!
• Eventually, the entire tire will be back in place.
• Be sure to grab the stem with some vise grips so that it doesn’t fall back in.
• Remove the valve stem cap and washer, and inflate until the tire pops back onto the bead. You’ll hear a distinct “pop” when this happens.
• Remove the vise grips, and inflate the tire accordingly. For front tires, this is usually 14 PSI and 10 PSI for the rear.

And there you have it. Whether you’ve replaced the tire completely or installed an inner tube, all that’s left to do is to put the tire back on the machine and you’re back in business!

This method has worked well for me. If you’ve got any other tips or tricks, let me know in the comments below!