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A Beginner's Guide To Lawn Mower Tires

Jan. 6 2021 Buying Guide By PrairieLand Parterns

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Your lawn mower needs the right tires in order to effectively move around your property. But there are so many options on the market, how do you pick the right one?

Here at PrairieLand Partners, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following lawn mower tire guide, helping you understand the different models and features. If you have any questions or want to shop lawn mowers for sale, reach out to our expert staff. We are happy to help with anything you need! We proudly serve those throughout Kansas.

Determine The Lawn Mower Tire Size

Different lawn mowers will need different tire sizes. Figuring out the tire dimensions on your specific lawn mower is a great first step. There are two common sizing systems and your model is likely one or the other.

With the two number sizing system:

  • The first number is the tire width in inches.
  • The second number is the rim diameter in inches.

With the three number sizing system:

  • The first number is the tire's diameter in inches. Note that it refers to the diameter when inflated, but not under load.
  • The middle number is the tire's width in inches.
  • The third number is the rim's diameter in inches.

Pick Your Ideal Ply-Rating

Lawn mower tires tend to come in one of two ply-ratings. 

The standard option is A/2-ply. It meets most customers' needs and works on smooth, level surfaces. 

The other option is B/4-ply. This is well-suited for terrain that contains obstacles (such as thorns) or for handling heavy duty projects outside of mowing.

Choose Your Ideal Treat Pattern

Another key way that lawn mower tires differ is with their tread pattern.

The turf tread option:

  • Is the standard choice
  • Usually has circumferential rows of chevron shaped tread blocks
  • Offers traction, even on slick grass
  • Won't dig up or damage the terrain
  • Is commonly used for both residential and commercial lawn mowers

The knobby, all-terrain option:

  • Usually has large tread blocks and deeper grooves
  • Sometimes has a herringbone tread pattern similar to a farm tractor tire pattern
  • Comes with a high void area, meaning there is space between the blocks that makes it easier to remove debris
  • Can handle more challenging terrain such as dirt, mud, and sand
  • Works well for those who rely on their lawn mower to also tow heavier loads

The straight ribbed option:

  • Usually has circumferential grooves and straight ribs
  • Built for durability and longevity at the sacrifice of some traction
  • Leaves behind minimal turf damage
  • Can dispel water, allowing you to mow a recently watered lawn or mow soon after a rainfall

The smooth tread option:

  • Comes with no pattern grooves
  • Typically used with a zero-turn lawn mower
  • Can help tackle tight turns, but offers minimal traction
  • Often used for golf and ground maintenance lawn mowers

Set Your Budget

Finally, think about how much you want to spend on lawn mower tires. The various options will come at various prices. The exact cost will be influenced by factors such as the brand, features, benefits, and lifespan. Setting a budget helps you get the highest quality lawn mower tire that you can afford. You won't fall in love with a model beyond your budget or unnecessarily pass on quality. Set your budget, then begin looking at options.

We hope you found this lawn mower tire guide helpful. For more advice or to shop lawn mowers for sale, chat with the friendly staff at PrairieLand Partner. We are happy to answer questions, provide advice, and assist in any way that we can. Explore our inventory online or stop by our dealership. We are proud to serve those in Kansas.