Mounting Tubeless tire on Rim of riding lawn mower?

Question

I have a flat tire of one of the Larger rear tubeless tires on my Yard Machines MTD riding mower. The problem is when I apply air from hi-pressure hose, there is no way for the tire to seal around the rim so it inflates. There must be a trick to get the tire to basically puff up so it expands over the rim. One auto tire guy suggested rubbing soap and water around the tire seal on both sides and as I apply air push in on the tread......well no that didn't work.

The mower is on a jack lift so the tire spins freely.

I'm using a mechanic shop quality air pressure electric pump.

That's the deal. Thanks George.

Answer 1

Run a good stout rope around the circumferance of the tire, in the center.  Use a long screwdriver or bar and twist it tight.  This will make the tire flare out and seat the beads on the rim.  Put air in it, you will be able to feel the tire taking air.  Untwist the rope as it fills.  I have also used ratcheting tiedown straps.  When it starts taking air loosen the strap.  At a tire shop they have a device that does the same thing but it inflates with air pressure.  Just don't get your fingers in the wrong place.  I usually leave the valve core out at first so the air will come back out but it will leave the tire seated on the wheel.  It also might be easier to work on if you removed the wheel.

Answer 2

bring it to a service center or gas station with a good air hose and 150lbs pressure. Your electric pump cannot  supply enough pressure to push the bead out and seal the tire.I had the same problem with my MTD tractor tire

Answer 3

If the strap doesn't work I've used a little engine starter fluid BE VERY CAREFUL spray a little starter fluid in the tire and immediately throw a wooden match in there step back and the resulting explosion will set the bead

Answer 4

The guy who fixed mine used a strap to go around the circumference of the tire.  The strap bulged out the bead, he used soapy water on the rim and applied the air and voila!  I paid my $4 happily.

Answer 5

I have used the suggestions listed rope/strap around the tread and the starting fluid(ETHER)   trick works and is fascinating to watch but DANGEROUS. if they dont work check the rim for rust  you can always pay to get it inflated or JUST TUBE IT......

Answer 6

take a rope and tie it around the tire in the center.........you need to get it real tight caving the center in ..........it will make your tire get fatter.......... also take some liquid soap and put [heavy on the soap] on both beads .......now air it up NOT working ?   take out the valve core out of the black stem ......... air again just to seat the tire....... put back in core and air to proper pressure      good luck

Answer 7

USE A RACHET TIE DOWN PUT IT AROUND THE MIDDLE OF YOUR TIRE AND RACHAT IT DOWN UNTIL THE TIRE SEALS AROUND THE RIM ALSO TAKE THE VALVE STEM OUT SO AIR CAN GO IN FASTER AS SOON AS IT STARTS TO SEAL LET OFF OF THE AIR AND TAKE THE RACHET OFF THEN AD MORE AIR THIS SHOULD SEAL YOUR TIRE TO THE RIM LET THE AIR OUT UNTIL YOU CAN GET THE VALVE STEM BACK IN THEN AD MORE AIR.