Installing a tube in Mower rear tire.

[dmk]

I have a JD Sabre Mower w/ 20x8 -8 rear tires. The tires are beginning to crack, one won't hold air through a mowing. Is it worth it to install a tube, or should I replace the tire. The mower does not see much use, so I would like to do what will get me by. Also, what does it take to put in a tube, seems easy, remove stem, fit in tube, inflate? Am I missing something?

Thanks

 

[AlanB]

Nope, bout it, pretty straight forward.

 

[MrJimi]

Just one, make sure the valve stem is pointing the same direction, some are straight and some are angled.
Jim

 

[ovrszd]

I have a JD Sabre Mower w/ 20x8 -8 rear tires. The tires are beginning to crack, one won't hold air through a mowing. Is it worth it to install a tube, or should I replace the tire. The mower does not see much use, so I would like to do what will get me by. Also, what does it take to put in a tube, seems easy, remove stem, fit in tube, inflate? Am I missing something?

Thanks

Depends on whether the tire is currently broke loose from the wheel. Obviously it's been on there a long time and may be stuck extremely tight. You won't have to break down both sides but you at least have to do the valve stem side. Once you have it hammered down away from the wheel you will need to pry it over the outside of the wheel so you can pull the tire past the wheel far enough to get the tube in. Once the tube is in and the stem is in the hole you need to clamp a small pair of vicegrips on the stem or screw on one of those stem tools so the stem doesn't fall back into the wheel while you try to get the tire back over the edge of the wheel. Then and only then can you say "nothing to it".

Of course all the while you are doing this you are trying to hold onto a basketball sized tire/wheel while beating on it with a tire hammer to break it down. You will use language that your kids won't want to hear and you will draw blood at least once. Otherwise, "nothing to it".

I would buy a bottle of slime, let the air out of the tire, squeeze in half a bottle, air it back up and move on. Saves language lessons and blood.

 

[BTDT]

Sometimes it's easier to do if you leave tire/wheel on tractor. Jack up rear, get tire over bead, feel inside tire with rag for thorns, nails, etc. being careful not to cut or jab hand, insert tube, reseat bead and air up. Nothing to it.

 

[AlanB]

Yes, the right tools (as in most things we do) make this job a lot easier.

Take the wheel off if you are unfamiliar with this (as I am guessing you are by the question) and go to your local mower shop, ask them to do it (or a good old timey tire shop) around here it is about $5 and then watch how they do it.

Without the tools, it can be frustrating for sure.

 

[dmk]

Thank y'all for the info. I have broken down, taken off and replaced the front tires, you're right, it's not fun. I just wasn't sure about installing a tube, guess it is a project I'll tackle this weekend.

 

[MikeD74T]

Since the rim was designed for a tubeless tire make sure you check it thoroughly for burrs, weld spatter, etc that may wear through the tube. My Silverado alloy rim had a minor rough spot that wore 2 holes thru a tube that was put in where a tire patch would not be reliable. MikeD74T

 

[LBrown59]

The paper thin tires on these small tractors are prone to becoming pin cushions for thorns and briars. Once that happens they are shot and you can't put tubes in them.

 

[radman1]

Use slime or similar product. Easy, cheap and fast. Will work unless tire falls apart or rutpures.