Replace tires only or buy the assembly?

[meep]

Replace tires only or buy the assembly?

Who here has used hand tools / spoons / levers to change rider tires? Mine are 18” dia and might make it this season, they are close to bald. There I’ve changed “many” bike tires with levers but never a tubeless tire on a wheel. If it’s not too bad, it’s cheaper to buy a set of $20 levers and just the tires.

Experience?

 

[VWRand]

I've done it before, but pretty challenging and frustrating. Breaking the beads isn't easy and then getting the new beads to seat with a new collapsed tire brings it to a higher level.

Not sure I would do it again, but already have the tire levers, so who knows?

 

[14Accent]

It's doable, but you're probably better off buying the tires yourself and taking the wheels to a shop to have them swapped. I can't imagine they'd charge much, and it'll keep you from damaging the new tires.

 

[Opelman]

It's doable, but you're probably better off buying the tires yourself and taking the wheels to a shop to have them swapped. I can't imagine they'd charge much, and it'll keep you from damaging the new tires.

Do your local power equipment dealer a favor and buy the tires from him too. Bring in your wheels loose and browse the new machines while you wait.

 

[Stumpalump]

Tires are simple to put on. On old tires I let the air out and drive them a little to loosen the beads. Understand what the “drop center” is on the rim and they will go on and off with ease.

 

[John Galt]

 

[Lawnman23]

I bought a pair of complete units when I replaced my rears.

I just bought the tires and brought the old wheel/tire to Discount Tire who swapped them on no problem.

Doing it yourself means buying new tools for the job you may only use once. Just go with what you’re comfortable with.

 

[IndyIan]

Riding mower tires are pretty easy, and this a good way to do it. Use some soapy water.
I've tubed all 4 tires on my old rider, and I can't say it was this easy as didn't use the vice, but I got it done.
Use a ratchet strap around the middle of the tire to get the beads to start sealing, spray some more soapy water on the beads, and they should seal up with just a hand pump.

 

[gasman556]

I struggled through getting a front tire replaced on my zero turn using pry bars after breaking the bead. The above YT vids weren't available when I last tried, but I have a tire shop I trust that swapped them out no problem. I MIGHT be willing to try again, but only if that shop isn't open and I need it done ASAP.

 

[meep]

Thank you for your thoughts. These are helpful.

 

[JoeDirt41]

I mount small tractor tires myself with a couple tire irons from Harbor Freight along with a HF bead breaker. Not my favorite activity but it’s not usually too difficult.

 

[meep]

Yeah. I think I’m leaning towards DIY. It will be half the cost and probably quicker. Thank you for the insights!

 

[Tdbo]

Do your local power equipment dealer a favor and buy the tires from him too. Bring in your wheels loose and browse the new machines while you wait.

Don't think so.
I tried that once, years ago.
The tires weren't the problem, it was the 1/2 hour of labor a piece they were going to charge me ($80.) that was the issue.
Bought the tires, then took them down the street to what was then a full service Citgo station where they charged me $10 to do both tires.