Riding mower tractor tires. A Beginner s Guide To Lawn Mower Tires

A Beginner’s Guide To Lawn Mower Tires

Your lawn mower needs the right tires in order to effectively move around your property. But there are so many options on the market, how do you pick the right one?

Here at PrairieLand Partners, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following lawn mower tire guide, helping you understand the different models and features. If you have any questions or want to shop lawn mowers for sale, reach out to our expert staff. We are happy to help with anything you need! We proudly serve those throughout Kansas.

Determine The Lawn Mower Tire Size

Different lawn mowers will need different tire sizes. Figuring out the tire dimensions on your specific lawn mower is a great first step. There are two common sizing systems and your model is likely one or the other.

With the two number sizing system:

• The first number is the tire width in inches.
• The second number is the rim diameter in inches.

With the three number sizing system:

• The first number is the tire’s diameter in inches. Note that it refers to the diameter when inflated, but not under load.
• The middle number is the tire’s width in inches.
• The third number is the rim’s width in inches.

Pick Your Ideal Ply-Rating

Lawn mower tires tend to come in one of two ply-ratings.

The standard option is A/2-ply. It meets most customers’ needs and works on smooth, level surfaces.

The other option is B/4-ply. This is well-suited for terrain that contains obstacles (such as thorns) or for handling heavy duty projects outside of mowing.

Choose Your Ideal Treat Pattern

Another key way that lawn mower tires differ is with their tread pattern.

• Is the standard choice
• Usually has circumferential rows of chevron shaped tread blocks
• Offers traction, even on slick grass
• Won’t dig up or damage the terrain
• Is commonly used for both residential and commercial lawn mowers

The knobby, all-terrain option:

• Usually has large tread blocks and deeper grooves
• Sometimes has a herringbone tread pattern similar to a farm tractor tire pattern
• Comes with a high void area, meaning there is space between the blocks that makes it easier to remove debris
• Can handle more challenging terrain such as dirt, mud, and sand
• Works well for those who rely on their lawn mower to also tow heavier loads

The straight ribbed option:

• Usually has circumferential grooves and straight ribs
• Built for durability and longevity at the sacrifice of some traction
• Leaves behind minimal turf damage
• Can dispel water, allowing you to mow a recently watered lawn or mow soon after a rainfall
• Comes with no pattern grooves
• Typically used with a zero-turn lawn mower
• Can help tackle tight turns, but offers minimal traction
• Often used for golf and ground maintenance lawn mowers

Set Your Budget

Finally, think about how much you want to spend on lawn mower tires. The various options will come at various prices. The exact cost will be influenced by factors such as the brand, features, benefits, and lifespan. Setting a budget helps you get the highest quality lawn mower tire that you can afford. You won’t fall in love with a model beyond your budget or unnecessarily pass on quality. Set your budget, then begin looking at options.

We hope you found this lawn mower tire guide helpful. For more advice or to shop lawn mowers for sale, chat with the friendly staff at PrairieLand Partner. We are happy to answer questions, provide advice, and assist in any way that we can. Explore our inventory online or stop by our dealership. We are proud to serve those in Kansas.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Lawn Tractor Tires

A great lawn is something to be proud of. It can do wonders to boost your home’s curb appeal – and regular maintenance of your yard’s grass can help it grow better. But a lawn is only as good as the landscaping equipment you use to maintain it. Having a quality lawn mower or tractor is obviously an important piece of the puzzle – but you may not even think about the quality of the lawn tractor tires on these types of vehicles.

You will need to replace your lawn mower tires and other equipment from time-to-time – especially if they get damaged. Worn-out tires can compromise your precious lawn and cause your mower to spin out or create deeper grooves in soft soil.

Further, if you use your equipment for more than just mowing, you might need more versatile lawn tractor tires than what a typical model delivers for improved grip or extra strength when towing heavy loads.

Today, we are going to break down everything you need to know about lawn tractor tires to help you find the ones that fit your needs best.

Tread Pattern Types

First, you need to understand the difference between tractor tire tread types – and what each pattern equates to.

Smooth Tread

This tire has no tread pattern grooves whatsoever and is used on zero-turn mowers – of which have two control levers instead of a steering wheel. This allows mowers to make tighter turns, but it does not provide much traction.

The smooth tread pattern is primarily used for golf and ground maintenance equipment.

Straight Rib Tread

This tire pattern features straight, shallow ribs and are designed for riding lawn mowers and lawn trailers. These tires work well on wet, slippery surfaces like recently watered lawns or slightly muddy terrain after a rainfall. The straight grooves help to dispel water for better grip and minimal turf damage.

This pattern is ideal for both residential and commercial equipment – and can be used on lawn trailers, tractor attachments, transport vehicles, and farm implements.

Chevron Turf Tread

This is one of the most common tractor tire tread patterns – as it provides adequate traction for mowing typical front lawns or other grassy areas. This pattern helps to provide grip on wet or dry grass without damaging the turf beneath.

The Chevron turf tread is used on commercial and residential mowing equipment – like garden tractors, walk-behind mowers, turf maintenance vehicles, golf carts, snow blowers, and utility vehicles.

Commercial Turf Tread

As the name implies, this tread pattern is used on commercial mowing equipment that is larger than a typical lawn tractor. This tread pattern provides superior traction and long-lasting tread that resists punctures.

Round Shoulder R/S Turf Tread

This is another common tread pattern for lawn mowers and garden tractors because it enables tires to be highly maneuverable and can make tight turns. Tires with this pattern are intended for those looking for superior traction with the least amount of damage.

The round shoulder R/S turf tread, generally used for residential mowers and garden tractors, is widely considered to be the most popular and is highly praised for its ability to work on any terrain without causing much impact.

Lug Traction Tread

This pattern is a top choice for lawn equipment – such as trenchers, ditching machines, and larger garden tractors since the deep lugs offer extremely powerful traction, especially in soft dirt. Tires with the lug traction tread are ideal for serious landscaping – and would more than likely damage a typical lawn.

Modified or Wide Footprint Chevron Turf Tread

This wider chevron pattern provides better weight distribution for larger mowing equipment – of which may also be towing heavy loads. This pattern is ideal for commercial mowing equipment and applications – commonly used for golf course fairway mowers.

Understanding Lawn Mower/ Lawn Tractor Tire Size

One of the most confusing parts of finding new lawn and garden tires is determining which size you need for your specific piece of equipment.

Thankfully, lawn and garden tractor tires have numbers on the tires which indicate the size.

Now, some tires use a two-digit number here while others use three. An example of a two-digit number would appear as 9.50 – 8 while a three-digit number would be 18x 9.50- 8.

So, here is what those numbers mean.

The first number in a three-digit system (in this case 18) refers to the diameter or height of the tire. Note: this is the height of a tire that is inflated – but not bearing any load.

The second number in a three-digit and the first in a two-digit (in this case 9.50) is the width of the tire in inches.

The third number in a three-digit and the second in a two-digit system (8) is the rim diameter size, which is the smaller hole in the middle of the tire. On lawn mowers and tractors, this number will typically be smaller than the width of the tire, since these types of tires are generally wider than the rim.

Now, you may be wondering just what does NHS mean on a tire.

If you see these letters after the sizing numbers, you will know that your tires are “Non-Highway service. This simply means that they are not rated for highway speeds, which is pretty common for lawn tractor tires since the equipment isn’t designed to go very fast.

You will tend to see more information on the side of a lawn tractor tire – which refers to the ply rating or load index. Higher numbers will mean that the tire is stronger and able to withstand heavier loads since they are made with more ply layers.

The load range system uses letters to indicate how many plies the tire is. Here is a useful chart to help you:

• Load Range A (LRA) = 2 ply
• Load Range B (LRB) = 4 ply
• Load Range C (LRC) = 6 ply
• Load Range D (LRD) = 8 ply
• Load Range E (LRE) = 10 ply
• Load Range F (LRF) = 12 ply

So, a tire that has the measurements 15 x 6.50 – 6 NHS LRA would be 15 inches tall with a 6-and-a-half-inch width for a 6-inch mount. It is 2-ply and not highway rated.

Best Lawn Tractor Tires

There are lots of lawn tractor tires on the market that fit into all budgets. However, some brands offer better quality tires that are longer-lasting or provide a more comfortable riding experience.

Here are some of the best tractor tires to consider, depending on the type of lawn tractor vehicle you own and how you will be using this equipment.

Riding Lawn Mowers and Lawn Trailers

Greenball Soft Turf Lawn and Garden

This tire has a square shoulder design for superior traction and even weight distribution for minimal turf damage and a smooth, comfortable ride.

• Available in a range of dimensions from 11” to 24” with a tread depth of 4 millimeters.
• Chevron tread design
• 2 and 4-ply
• 12 PSI
• Applicable for both front and/or rear

D. Available Sizes

Deestone D265 Turf

This lawn mower tire also uses square shoulders along with a broad tread pattern for great traction on grass and minimal tearing and turf damage. A popular choice for commercial and residential mowers, the D265 is an all-purpose tire that comes in a wide range of sizes. Suitable for garden tractors, walk-behinds, and turf maintenance vehicles. Classic chevron turf tread pattern provides excellent traction and stability.

• Diameter ranging from from 10.4 – 20 inches with a tread depth of 2.8 – 8.4 millimeters, depending on tire size
• Chevron tread design
• Available in 4 and 6-ply
• Strong nylon construction ensures durability an long wear
• Wide tread for optimized ground contact and damage reduction
• 28 PSI
• Designed for both front and rear applications
• The Chevron pattern provides exceptional grip on both wet and dry turf surfaces.
• Excels at reducing turf damage

D. Available sizes

Deestone D837-Turf

This lawn and garden tire is not just for lawn tractors and mowers – it can also be used on wheelbarrows, small construction vehicles, and trailers. The rib pattern makes it extremely stable and durable without damaging the soft turf beneath it. B. Features

• Ranging from 13 to 18-inch diameter with available tread depth of 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.7, and 4.3 millimeters.
• Straight rib tread design
• 4 and 6-ply
• 48 PSI
• Available for both front and rear applications
• Superior performance on dry, wet and snowy surfaces thanks to the excellent traction provided by the straight rib tread design.

D. Available sizes

Tires for Wheelbarrows and Garden Equipment

Deestone D601-Rib

This straight rib tractor tire is designed for smooth steering, easy roll resistance, and durability with even weight distribution so that the soft soil beneath is not damaged. This tire is typically used for wheelbarrows, but it can be used on lawn mowers, tractors, and lawn equipment. B. Features

• Available in 12 to 16-inch diameters with a tread depth of 4 millimeters
• Straight rib tread design
• Comes in 2 and 4-ply
• 50 PSI

D. Available sizes

Deestone D407-Utility

This tire is made for garden tractors to provide great traction and performance on wet and dry surfaces.

• Diameter ranging from 13-16 inches with a tread depth of 9.7 – 12 millimeters, depending on tire size
• 4 ply
• Strong nylon construction ensures durability and long wear
• Large ground contact enhances handling stability

D. Available sizes

Greenball Wheelbarrow

This tire is recommended for use on gardening equipment like wheelbarrows or small trailers. It comes in a tubeless tire design, so it can easily roll over hard surfaces, loose dirt, or grass.

• 16-ince diameter with 3.175 Millimeter tread
• Straight rib tread design
• Available in 2 and 4-ply
• 50 PSI
• This tire is designed for great traction on both wet and try surfaces – and multiple types of terrain.

D. Available sizes

Tires for Hand Trucks and Hand Dollies

Greenball Stud Lawn Garden Stud Tread

This tubeless tire is best for handcarts, small garden trailers, and other type of lawn equipment. B. Features

• Available in 8 to 16-inch diameters with a tread depth of 5 Millimeters Dimensions
• Stud tread design
• 4-ply
• 24 PSI

D. Available sizes

Greenball Rib Lawn Garden

This straight rib tread design is optimal for heavy loads on gardening equipment like trailers, hand trucks, and equipment like pressure washers as well as lawn mowers and tractors. B. Features

• 11 to 18 inch diameters with tread depth of 5 Millimeters
• Straight rib tread design
• 4-ply
• 12 PSI

D. Available sizes

Tires for Hand Trucks, Hand Dollies, Handcarts, and Small Utility Trailers

These types of tires use commercial/diamond head tread or Sawtooth tread patterns – and are designed for driving on harder surfaces like concrete, asphalt, pavement, as well as turf. These types of tires are best for residential gardening equipment or industrial product usage as they can withstand heavy loads.

Greenball Sawtooth Lawn Garden

This lawn and garden tire has a Sawtooth tread pattern for easy rolling over multiple types of turf. These tires are extremely sturdy and able to withstand up to 440 pounds. B. Features

• This tire is available in 8 to 12-inch diameter with a 4 Millimeter tread
• Sawtooth tread design
• 4-ply
• 50 PSI
• The non-directional Sawtooth tread pattern provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Trac Gard N775 Sawtooth

This bias tire is designed for utility golf carts and is also suitable for lawn and garden equipment like small tractors, lawn mowers, and wheelbarrows. It features a zig-zag Sawtooth tread for a stronger biting edge that provides extra traction. B. Features

• 8 to 16-inche diameters with a tread depth of 9.5 Millimeters
• Sawtooth tread design
• 4-ply
• 38 PSI
• The zig-zag tread Sawtooth pattern allows for even weight distribution and superior traction on wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Trac Gard N766 Turf

This tire is designed for a wide range of use on numerous lawn and garden equipment – and can handle both off-road and on-road surfaces. The unique tread pattern design helps to support heavy loads while resisting punctures, making it a great choice for heavy duty gardening tasks. B. Features

• 11 to 24-inch diameters with a tread depth of 7.1 Millimeters
• All-purpose tread design for versatile use with minimal turf damage
• 4-ply
• 30 PSI
• This tire’s all-purpose tread pattern provides superior traction on multiple types of terrain, including wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Conclusion

No matter what type of lawn or garden tractor vehicle you are in the market for – or what types of applications you will be using it for – you can find a top-quality tire to fit your needs (and your wallet).

The quality of your lawn tractor tires can improve the appearance of your yard or garden and make any task much easier.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our tire experts at Giga Tires if you have any questions. We’re happy to point you in the right direction and help find the lawn tractor tire that is just for your needs!

Lawn Mower Tires (79 items found)

Ace keeps lawn mowers running smoothly with replacement lawn mower wheels. Learn how to find the right fit for your mower, then browse different lawn mower tires, wheels, and accessories to get the most out of your investment.

Replacement Lawn Mower Wheels and Tires

Find everything you need to replace your old lawn mower wheels and tires at Ace. Browse push and riding lawn mower tires in a variety of different sizes and tread styles, as well as sets complete with axle adaptor kits and instructions. When you only need a partial fix, find inner tube replacements for a durable, easy-to-install solution.

Choosing the Right Lawn Mower Tires

Even the best mower tires need replacing eventually. Whether you hit a rock while mowing or simply wore down the treads over time, Ace has the lawn tractor tires you need. Follow these three easy steps to help you find the ideal lawn mower tire replacements:

Consult your owner’s manual. Most lawn mower manuals should specify the tire size you need for your mower model. They may also suggest you use tires by the same brand as the mower, but as long as the size is right, you shouldn’t need to exactly match your old tire. We carry wheels with diameters ranging from 4.5 inches to 20 inches to accommodate mower models of all sizes.

Lawn Mower Maintenance and Accessories

Make the most of your lawn mower with grass catchers and durable mower parts and accessories from Ace. Explore our lawn mower maintenance tips to learn which parts of your mower need regular cleaning and replacement, then find all the supplies you need here.

Whether you use a classic push mower or a heavy-duty riding mower, get the right lawn mower tires near you at your local Ace. Shop online or stop by in-store and our experts can help you find tough replacement mower wheels and riding mower tires plus lawn mower blades and other parts to fit any model.

Riding Mower Tire Pressure: Every Size, Brand Model

Do you ever check your riding mower tire pressure? If you don’t, you’re likely not doing it enough. Checking your tire pressure is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your lawn and ensure that your riding mower is performing at its best.

Not only will checking your tire pressure help ensure that your lawn gets cut properly, but it can help prevent damage to your riding mower’s machine and deck.

In this article, we’ll cover all sizes, brands, and models of riding mowers to help you figure out what size tire pressure is right for you.

Riding Mower Tire Pressure – Things You Need To Know

Tires are important for your riding lawn mower. When they’re not inflated properly, you can run into all sorts of problems. Your machine will be less efficient, and you’ll be running the risk of damaging your engine. But there are so many different tires on the market that it can be difficult to find the right one for your machine. To make things simpler, we’ve compiled a list of what’s available and what each one is best suited for the mower.

Dangers of Low Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is important because it affects the performance of your vehicle, as well as its safety. If you have under-inflated tires, you might notice:

• Poor handling and traction in wet condition
• Poor braking performance
• A decrease in gas mileage
• Tire failure (which can lead to accidents)
• Increased wear on the tires and drivetrain components

Check Tire Pressure Using a Tire Gauge:

Types of Tires under their Brands and Models

According to the brand and models, there are many different mower tires and their air pressure types.

Some of the common types of mower tires used in riding mowers include:

Solid Tire

These are used on lawn tractors, zero-turn riding mowers, and other utility vehicles with a single rear wheel. They are made of solid rubber, which makes them very durable, but they can be heavy and can’t handle bumps well.

Radial Tire

These are used on lawn tractors with two rear wheels and offer better traction on rough terrain than solid tires. They also provide more stability at higher speeds than solid tires, but they are also heavier than other types of tires.

Tube-Type Tire

These are used on lawn tractors with two rear wheels with tubes inside them or on zero-turn riding mowers with four rear wheels without tubes inside them (therefore no inner tube).

They offer good traction in all conditions but don’t last as long as radial or solid tires because the tube can become damaged by hitting rocks or other objects while driving around your yard or farmland

Airless vs. Pneumatic Tires

Most riding mowers use pneumatic tires, with inner tubes filled with pressurized air.

These tires are typically more durable than airless alternatives and offer better traction in poor weather conditions like rain or snow. Some models also feature treads designed for added traction on slippery surfaces like grass or sand.

What PSI Stands for in Pressure

PSI stands for pounds per square inch. This is the unit of measurement used to determine how much air pressure is in your tire. The higher the PSI, the more air is in your tire. The lower the PSI, the less air is in your tire.

The best way to determine what PSI is right for you is by reading your owner’s manual or asking a professional at an auto parts store or dealership.

What PSI should Lawn Mower Tires be

Tire pressure will vary depending on what type of equipment you have, which may be riding mowers, garden tractors, zero-turn mowers, and more. The air pressure for all these types of equipment is usually expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI).

If you’re unsure what PSI your tires should be, check the owner’s manual for guidance. In general terms, the proper PSI depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations for that particular product.

The PSI (pounds per square inch) recommended for lawn mower tires is:

Check Lawn Tractor Tire Pressure and Why It is Important

A tire’s air pressure can vary by as much as 10 pounds per square inch (psi) depending on the temperature of the air and the type of tire. A tire under-inflated by just 2 psi can waste up to 7% of fuel, while over-inflated tires are less responsive and have higher rolling resistance, which wastes energy.

How do you know if your tires are under or over-inflated?

The easiest way is to look for the recommended inflation pressure on the sidewall of each tire. If it’s not there, use a tire gauge to measure the pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold — before driving on them after sitting overnight or longer in an unheated garage or shed.

If you don’t have a gauge or are unsure how to use one correctly, call your local fire department and ask them to send someone out with one. You can also buy one at any auto parts store for less than 10.

Final words

It is a pain if you have to go through the hassle of getting the riding mower tire pressure just right. This article covers everything you need to know about lawn mower tire pressure, from why it’s important to what PSI you should be using. It also covers the different types of tires available and how to check the air pressure.