Riding

We Stock Riding Lawn Mower Tires for Your Make & Model

If you want to do a job well, you need the right tools. And though that means having a riding lawn mower or tractor that’s adequately sized for the property you maintain, it also means selecting the appropriate tires. Riding lawn mower tires need to grip turf without damaging it, regardless of whether you’re traversing flat, grassy expanses or steep hills.

What to Look for When Buying Riding Lawn Mower Tires

Let’s start with purpose. The kind of terrain you typically mow will impact the type of tire tread you’ll need.

Tire Types

Here are the different types of riding lawn mower tires and the terrain for which they’re best suited:

Ribbed tires leave as little imprint in the grass as possible while maintaining top-notch steering control. With no treads other than straight, parallel grooves, these tires offer excellent directional stability, making them equally excellent riding lawn mower front tires.

Smooth tires offer the least turf disruption and make for exceptional front tires, just like their ribbed counterparts.

When you need improved traction in wet conditions and hilly terrain, turn to turf tires. They still provide minimal harm to the turf while also delivering excellent traction.

These high-traction tires have deep grooves and large tread blocks for channeling mud and dirt. With that in mind, you’ll want to avoid these tires if your grass needs a gentle touch.

Tube vs. Tubeless Riding Lawn Mower Tires

Tube tires have an outer tire that surrounds a separate inner tube. Repairs are simpler because replacing or patching an inner tube is cheaper than doing so for a whole tire.

As their name suggests, tubeless tires are all-in-one with no separate tube. Minor punctures are easy to handle, but large rips or tears will require more experience. Mounting requires special tools and equipment as well. Always check your rim specifications to ensure you can mount the tire type you prefer.

Tire Size

Riding mower tires have two sizing systems, “two-number” and “three-number.”

An example of a two-number size would be 4.30-6. The first number refers to the width (4.3 inches), and the second number represents the rim diameter (6 inches).

A three-number size could be 11-4.00-5. The first number represents diameter, specifically, once the tire is inflated but not yet under load. The second number is the tire width, and the third number is the rim width.

Should you see NHS listed on the size, that stands for “Not For Highway Service.” In other words, these tires aren’t rated for highway speeds.

Tire Ply

The most common ply ratings for riding lawn mower tires are 4, 6, and 8, with higher numbers indicating increased strength. Stronger tires have higher load-carrying capacities and are more resistant to punctures, cuts, and tears thanks to thicker, more robust casings. If you need to mow in areas with a greater chance of damage, such as areas with thorny bushes or construction sites with discarded nails or screws, consider a higher ply rating to avoid getting flats.

You will also see tires listed as “bias-ply” or “radial-ply.” Bias-ply tires are excellent for heavy-duty machines that require stiff and sturdy sidewalls. They consist of multiple plies of diagonal rubber-coated fabric forming a strong inner carcass. They are less expensive than radial tires, too. However, their stiffness transmits more vibration and bumps through the tractor, which means the tires dig harder into the turf.

Radial-ply tires use 90-degree angled belts that allow the sidewall and tread to act independently of each other, providing more consistent traction, a smoother ride, and less soil impact. They also tend to last longer than bias-ply tires.

Riding Lawn Mower Tires FAQs

What Size Tire Do I Need for My Lawn Mower?

Manufacturer specifications will determine rim width, diameter, tire size, and diameter.

Are All Riding Mower Tires Compatible With All Types of Riding Lawn Mowers?

No. Riding mower tires need to be sized for specific mower rims. Furthermore, tires come in various ply ratings that support different loads. The ply rating should always be able to handle the weight of the tractor, rider, and any cargo.

How Do I Maintain the Tires for Longevity?

First, choose tires with long-lasting, durable rubber. Always ensure tire pressure is within manufacturer specifications. Clean your tires after mowing to lessen wear and potential punctures. Avoid storing your tractor in sunlight, which will cause the tires to harden and deteriorate. Don’t let the tires come into contact with harsh chemicals that can damage the rubber.

Why Buy Riding Lawn Mower Tires From Us?

Tires4That has been supplying specialty tires for working professionals since 1968. Our selection is unmatched, our prices are low, and our customer service is ready to assist you no matter your tire issue!