Lawn mower tires are no longer a simple piece of plastic. There are different styles, materials, treads and models. There are specialty tires for push mowers and riding mowers. And if you dont have the right kind of tires, you could end up with a mower stuck in the mud. Or you could have ruts in the middle of your expensive lawn. When considering a mower or tire replacements, here are some things to think about before buying.
Tire Styles
One of the key things to watch is tire style. Generally, turf and lawn tires are matched to each condition. And some of these, like riding mower tires, are specialty tires made from rubber with a unique tread design to keep the tires from digging into your lawn. A couple of examples are the Turf Trac and Multi Trac tires. Turf tires have low wear on your lawn and give great traction on grass and turf under a variety of outdoor conditions. Getting the right style can save you money from having to replace your lawn, and it can save time from having to rework your turf.
Tire Material
Another thing to consider with lawn mower tires is the material that they are made out of. Tire material can also have an effect on traction and lawn damage. For instance some are made of plastic. These thinner plastic tires have a higher probability of digging into your lawn. Conversely, the rubber tube wheel types protect your lawn from damage. Typically the rubber type have deeper tread designs for better traction. But remember, they have to carry a heavier load too.
Weight Concerns
Weight is a big consideration when choosing lawn care tires. The thinner plastic lawn mower tires will work in most cases with push behind mowers, because of the low weight. But with riding mowers and cart towing, the loads are typically higher. For instance a riding mower can easily weigh five hundred to a thousand pounds. As weight increases, the tires need to be wider, to spread the load out. Otherwise the weight of the mower will dig holes into the lawn and turf. By having deep treads, the load gets spread even further, and protecting your lawn even more.