Mower Maintenance Tip! Check Your Tires!

Flat TireMary Clementi
Mower Maintenance Tip! Check Your Tires!
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Mower Maintenance: Is It Time to Change Your Mower Tires?

When's the best time to swap out those mower tires? It's a question that can save you time, money, and maybe even a trip to the emergency room. Your mower's tires are more important than you might think! They affect everything from the quality of your cut to your safety on slopes.

There are two main reasons to consider replacing your mower tires: too many plugs and not enough tread. Let's get into each of those in more detail.

The Perils of Plugging: When Enough Is Enough

Plugs are those little rubber worms you jam into a tire to stop a leak. They're handy in a pinch, but they're not a permanent fix. I've seen tires that look like they've been attacked by a swarm of rubber worms, with dozens of plugs sticking out. What's the problem with that?

Each plug represents a day that tire went flat, or was close to it. Flats are a huge waste of time. You have to stop what you're doing, get out the tools, and fix the tire.

The Risks of Flats and Wasted Time

Time is money. Every minute you spend messing with a flat tire is a minute you're not mowing. And if you're running a landscaping business, that lost time adds up fast. Plus, a flat tire might mean an uneven cut, requiring you to go over the same area twice.

Why Repeated Plugs Are a Red Flag

If you're constantly plugging the same tire, it's trying to tell you something. It means there's a bigger problem than just a small puncture. The tire might be old, have dry rot, or have damage that's beyond repair. Continuing to plug it is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg.

Going Bald: Traction Trouble and Safety Concerns

Think about the tires on your car. When they get bald, you lose traction, especially in wet conditions. The same is true for your mower tires. As the tread wears down, you lose grip on the grass.

Traction Loss on Slopes

This is especially dangerous on slopes. If you're mowing on an incline and your tires are bald, you risk losing control of the mower. That could lead to a dangerous situation, like sliding into a fence, a tree, or worse.

When to Replace for Safety

I say run 'em 'til they're bald, but if you're on a slope, that's when you need to get new tires. Safety should always be your top priority. If you find yourself struggling to maintain traction, especially on hills, it's time for a new set of tires.

Extending Tire Life (and Knowing When to Give Up)

Want to get the most out of your mower tires? Here are a few tips:

Visual Inspection

Regularly check your tires for cuts, bulges, and dry rot. Dry rot looks like cracks in the sidewall of the tire. If you spot any of these issues, it's a sign that the tire's integrity is compromised.

Air Pressure

Keeping your tires properly inflated is key. Underinflated tires wear unevenly and are more likely to get flats. Check your mower's manual for the recommended tire pressure and use a tire pressure gauge to make sure they're spot on. You can find tire pressure gauges and other helpful tools in Main Street Mower's online product inventory.

The Balancing Act: Cost vs. Safety

I know it's tempting to run your tires until they're completely shot. But you've got to weigh the cost of new tires against the risk of an accident. If your tires are constantly going flat or if you're losing traction on slopes, it's time to bite the bullet and get them replaced. If you're not worried about safety, run 'em 'til they're bald.

Choosing the Right Replacement Tires

Not all mower tires are created equal. There are different types and tread patterns designed for different terrains.

  • Smooth tires: These are best for flat, even lawns. They provide a smooth ride and won't tear up your grass.
  • Aggressive treads: These are better for hills and rough terrain. They provide extra traction to help you maintain control.

You can find a wide selection of replacement tires at Main Street Mower's online product inventory.

Conclusion

Knowing when to replace your mower tires is a crucial part of lawn mower maintenance. Keep an eye out for excessive plugging and loss of traction. Regularly inspect your tires, maintain proper air pressure, and don't hesitate to replace them when safety is a concern.

Maintaining your mower tires will not only improve its performance, but also keep you safe while you're working in your yard. Don't wait until it's too late. Check your tires today!

Product Discussed In The Video

Links to Main Street Mower

 

 

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Tags: Flat tire, Lawn care life, Lawn care tips, Lawncare, Maintenance tip

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