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Buying the Right Tires For Your Lawn Mower

Oct. 15 2021 Buying Guide By Eastman Equipment Company

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Lawn mowers are an essential tool, whether you work in landscaping or you’re just a yardwork perfectionist. But the standard tires may not be the best fit for you, and it can be hard to narrow down your options with so many on the market. We here at Eastman Equipment Company want to make your yard work as easy as possible, so we’ve put together a brief guide to buying the right tires for your lawn mower. To learn more, or to see the lawn mower parts and accessories we have for sale, contact our store in Eastman, Georgia, today!

The Right Size

Step one is figuring out the right size. Your first step should be to figure out the dimensions of the tires your mower currently has, and it will use one of two numbering systems. The first system uses two numbers to size a tire, measuring:

  • Tire width in inches.
  • Rim diameter in inches.

The other system uses three numbers, measuring:

  • Diameter of the inflated (but not loaded) tire in inches.
  • Tire width in inches.
  • Rim width in inches.

The Right Ply-Rating

The ply-rating is another important measurement, and lawn mower tires typically have one of two ratings. The standard is the A/2-ply rating, which works well on smooth, level surfaces and meets most people’s needs. The other option is the B/4-ply rating, which is better for terrain that’s a bit rougher, potentially with sharp objects like thorns, and is able to handle heavy duty projects other than mowing.

Essentially, if you’re just mowing your yard and not using your mower for anything else, the standard 2-ply tires should be fine. If your yard has some minor hazards or you’re using a riding mower for other tasks, you’ll want the 4-ply.

The Right Tread

Finally, you should determine what kind of tread works best for your situation. The standard option is the turf tread, which has features designed for normal yard work use:

  • Circumferential rows of chevron-shaped tread blocks.
  • Good traction, even on slick grass.
  • Low impact on terrain.

For more complicated lawns, the all-terrain option might suit you better. It has:

  • Large tread blocks and deeper grooves.
  • A herringbone tread pattern, much like farm tractor tires.
  • A high void area (space between blocks) for easy removal of debris.
  • Dirt, mud, and sand-navigating capabilities.

And last but not least, the straight-ribbed option has:

  • Circumferential grooves and straight ribs.
  • Longer lifespans but less traction.
  • Minimal terrain impact.
  • Good wet terrain-navigating capabilities—can mow right after watering or rainfall.

We hope this guide helps you find the lawn mower tires you need! For more information, or to see the mower tires we have available, contact us at Eastman Equipment Company. We proudly serve the people of Warner Robins and Dublin, Georgia—let us serve you today!