Fix a Flat on a Riding Lawn Mower
Have you ever had a flat tire on your riding lawn mower where the tire comes loose from the rim? You think there is no way to get air into the tire so it mounts on the rim without calling AAA? I have good news as long as there isn't a gaping hole in the tire.
Contents
Steps
- Make sure both rims of the tire are inside of the metal rims of the wheel
- My favorite device here is one of the small ratcheting tie down straps. A piece of rope might work in a pinch.
- Wrap the tie down strap around the middle of the tire and begin tightening until you see that the tire rims are pressing against the wheel rims tightly.
- If the tire just came off of the wheel and doesn't have a hole in it then now is the time to hook up your handy dandy tire inflator to the valve stem.
- Inflate until the tire seals to the rim (it will usually make a popping noise as it seals to the rim) then loosen the strap as needed, add more air and repeat loosening the strap until the tire is inflated to the suggested PSI located on the sidewall of the tire then take the strap off.
- If you know there is a hole in the tire and it is just a small hole then go to your local hardware or automotive store and get a can of pressurized tire sealant and attach it to the valve stem on the tire and begin to inflate using the sealant instructions. See step #5.
- Disconnect the sealant can and drive the riding mower around for the recommended time in the sealant instructions to ensure that the sealant has reached the hole and had time to do its job. Now you get to finish your job.
Tips
- To keep your tires from separating from the rims make sure you get a tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressures each time you use your mower.
Warnings
- Do not exceed the rated PSI for the tire.
- Make sure that you remove the strap completely before driving the mower.
