A Beginner's Guide To Lawn Mower Tires

Purchasing tires for your lawn mower can be more complicated than you may think. There are many different kinds of mowers, after all. Add all the different tire variations on top of that, and it’s easy to accidentally buy an incompatible set of tires. Luckily, Twin Hills Equipment has created this handy tire buying guide to give you all the information you need to buy the right tires for your lawn mower.

 Determine The Lawn Mower Tire Size

Finding the right size for your mower’s tires might seem like the most obvious and basic step, but you should know that there are actually two different sizing schemes. In the two-number system, the first number is the tire width in inches and the second number is the rim diameter in inches. If your lawn mower’s tires use the three-number system, the first number is the tire's diameter in inches when inflated, but not under load. The second number is the tire's width in inches and the third number is the rim's width in inches.

Pick Your Ideal Ply-Rating

The two most common ply ratings for lawn mowers are A/2-ply and B/4-ply. A/2-ply is the standard, able to meet people’s needs, and works well on smooth, level surfaces. B/4-ply is tougher and good for overcoming obstacles like thorns and heavy-duty projects.

Choose Your Ideal Tread Pattern

There is a surprising amount of variation when it comes to lawn mower tires, and that trend continues with four possible tread patterns for mower tires. Turf tread is the standard pattern. It is formed from circumferential rows of chevron-shaped tread blocks. It is usually used for residential and commercial mowers because it offers traction even on slick grass yet it won’t damage the lawn itself.

The knobby, all-terrain tread is for those who have a bigger mower and want to use it to tow heavier loads. It is usually formed from large tread blocks and deeper grooves, but sometimes has a herringbone tread pattern similar to a farm tractor tire pattern. This gives all-terrain tread a high void area, meaning there is space between the blocks so debris can easily be removed. Use this tread if you will be riding on dirt, mud, or sand.

The straight ribbed tread is good for mowing a recently watered lawn or a lawn that has recently seen rainfall. It is formed from circumferential grooves and straight ribs, sacrificing some traction for a longer-lasting tire. This is a good tread to use if you want to minimize turf damage.

Smooth tread, true to its name, has no pattern grooves. It is usually used with zero-turn mowers. While it is helpful for tight turns it offers almost no traction, so its use is limited to mowers used for golf and grounds maintenance.

Set Your Budget

With so many options available, it is easy to become confused or be dazzled by features that sound good but are not actually needed. Know what you need, and set a budget before buying so that you don’t overspend.

We here at Twin Hills Equipment want you to have the easiest and most enjoyable lawn mower tire purchasing experience possible. For more information or to look at our stock, visit our dealership in Byhalia, Mississippi. We welcome all customers, including those from Marshall County, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee.