How to Remove a Tire From a Lawn Tractor

Overview

A riding mower makes the chore of mowing the lawn, and many others, not so time consuming. In some cases, it makes mowing the lawn an enjoyable experience. Some people consider their riding mower as a status symbol in the neighborhood. Others consider the lawn to be the most important part of the exterior of the house. No matter your views, there may come a time where it is necessary to remove the wheel from the mower. There are many reasons this could happen, but there is no need to call a repair service to complete this task.

Wheel with Lugs

Step 1

Place the mower on level ground and make sure the brakes are locked. Most mowers have some type of "parking" brake, make sure to engage this before starting.

Step 2

Place the jack under the corner of the mower where the wheel will be removed. make sure the jack is positioned under the frame of the mower to prevent damage to the mower parts.

Step 3

Raise the jack until it contacts the frame of the mower.

Step 4

Loosen each lug nut on the wheel one full turn with the appropriate socket and ratchet. many manufacturers use different sizes of lug nuts. Make sure to use the correct socket for the mower being serviced.

Step 5

Raise the with the jack until the tire is 3 inches off the ground. This will help to ensure the wheel will have room to go back on the mower.

Step 6

Remove all the lug nuts. Remove the wheel and tire.

Non-Lug-Nutted Wheels

Step 1

Place the mower on level ground and make sure the brakes are locked. Most mowers have some type of "parking" brake, make sure to engage this before starting.

Step 2

Place the jack under the corner of the mower where the wheel will be removed. make sure the jack is positioned under the frame of the mower to prevent damage to the mower parts.

Step 3

Remove the center cap of the wheel. Behind the cap there will be a shaft in the middle with a bent cotter pin running through it. This is what holds the wheel on the shaft.

Step 4

Bend the cotter pin so the end is straight with the needle nose pliers. remove the cotter pin from the shaft by pushing and pulling it out of the shaft. It is safer to do this with the wheel on the ground.

Step 5

Raise the mower so the tire is 3 inches off the ground. This will help to ensure the wheel and tire will go back on after servicing. Remove the wheel.