There are many things to consider when purchasing tires for your lawn mower. Tire Size. Tread Design. Ply Rating. Quality. Brand. The list goes on. Getting the right tires for your lawn tractor, zero turn or walk-behind is crucial to getting the best performance with minimal down time.
Getting the right tire size is important to ensure the tires fit on your mower. This string of numbers found on the sidewall of the tire indicates the size of the tire when it is inflated. For instance: 18x8.50-8. The (18) is the overall height of the tire when it is mounted and inflated to factory recommended air pressure. The (8.50) is the overall width of the tire when it is mounted and inflated to recommended air pressure. So, in this case, 8.50 mean 8 ½ inches wide. The (8) indicates the rim diameter that the tire is going to be mounted to, meaning this is an 8-inch wheel. All measurements are in inches.
You may notice the letters “NHS” after the tire size. This means Non-Highway Service or in other words it is not designed to withstand highway speeds.
Tread design is a key factor in making your tire purchase. There are many different tread designs available and each pattern has a specific purpose and the tread you choose depends on what terrain you mostly ride on, as well as which axle you are replacing the tires on.
Front Tires – If you need to replace the front tires and it is not a drive axle, a good choice is a ribbed tire, also known as a multi-rib. This tire has circumferential grooves around the tire and will not damage the grass.
Rear Tires –If traction is not important and your yard is mainly flat, a less aggressive tread design will be the best choice for you. If you need traction, tread life and durability, you’ll want to look at commercial grade, more aggressive tires with lugs or knobs. These tires are especially good on steep slopes, and most commonly used by landscapers because they tend to last longer.
Flat Free Tires – This is another option for the front tires on most lawn mowers including commercial walk behinds and zero turn mowers. These tires are lightweight and don’t add the extra weight foam-filled tires do to your mower. Because of the hollow air cavity in the center, they can withstand any debris in the way, without leaving you stranded, saving you time and money.
The ply rating on a tire indicates the operating load the tire can carry. Lawn mower tires generally have one of three ply ratings: 2, 4 or 6. The higher the ply number, the higher the load carrying capacities. The lower the ply rating, the softer the ride but will be more prone to a puncture. Some manufacturers also use aramid cord rather than nylon to make their tires even further cut and puncture resistant.
Choosing the right lawn mower tires can be overwhelming, that’s why we are here to help. With thousands of lawn & garden tires in stock, our tire experts will help you choose the best tire for your needs. Give us a call.
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