Can You Put a Tube in a Tubeless Lawn Mower Tire?

Most riding mowers use tubeless tires to save time and energy. However, inserting a tube might seem like a good idea because it inflates the tire and prolongs its lifespan. Some people worry that using a tube in a tubeless mower will pop the tire, but you might be surprised by the results.

You can put a tube in a tubeless lawnmower tire by deflating and wedging the old tire, then slide the tube into the tire and inflate it. You might have to drill a hole in the rim to make room for the tube’s valve stem or seal the stem after inflating the tube.

In this article, we’ll show you the process of putting a tube into a tubeless mower tire, what you need to know beforehand, and a few reasons you might want to avoid it. Enjoy!

How to Put a Tube in a Tubeless Mower Tire

To put a tube in a tubeless mower tire, follow these steps:

1. Remove the rubber boot from the rim to reveal the C-clip.
2. Pry off the C-clip with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Pull off the washer(s) and remove the wheel.
4. Deflate the tire to loosen it off of the rim.
5. Lightly tap a flathead screwdriver between the rim and the tire with a hammer to separate them.
6. Push down the tire and remove the rubber gasket behind the valve stem, then remove the valve stem.
7. Pry the outer edge of the tire off of the rim with two or three flathead screwdrivers to completely pull the tire around the rim.
8. Tuck the tube around the inside of the tire and outside of the rim, then push the valve stem through the old stem’s hole in the rim (make sure the valve stem is sealed to prevent air leaks).
9. Tuck the tire under the rim, then inflate the tube through the previously mentioned valve stem.

If you don’t have one already, check out the best tire tubes to find the right size for your lawnmower. It’s important to find a tire tube with the same dimensions as your current tire. Don’t forget to ensure the valve stem is the same size, too; Otherwise, you’ll have to widen the valve stem’s hold in the rim with a drill bit.

Loose, old tires of one of the many reasons a lawnmower can be too loud. Make sure you install the previously mentioned C-clip and rubber boot when you put the wheel back onto the lawnmower.

Watch this video by Farpoint Farms for details instructions:

Let’s dive into a handful of things you need to know before trying this process below.

What to Know Before Putting a Tube in a Tubeless Mower Tire

Before putting a tube in a tubeless mower tire, you should know that you might have to drill a bigger hole for the valve stem. Your lawnmower’s tires might have a thinner valve stem than the tube you want to insert. If this happens, use a drill bit to widen the hole.

You should also keep these tips in mind:

• Garden Guides recommends checking your lawnmower’s tire’s maximum PSI before filling the tube. Exceeding the max PSI will pop the tire or make the ride much bumpier than it needs to be. It can also cause micro tears in the tread that you can’t see until they rip open.
• Some sources suggest slightly inflating the tube once its in the tire before sliding its valve stem through the rim. This method prevents the stem from falling out of the rim when you wrap the rest of the tire around the tube.
• Clean out all of the debris inside of the tire before installing the tube. Some tires have mud, nails, rocks, and other debris that can pop a tube. You could spray the inside of the tube, let it dry, and then add the tube for the best results.

Unfortunately, not all tubeless lawnmowers should use a tube to fill the tire. Find out why in the following section.

When Shouldn’t You Put a Tube in a Tubeless Lawnmower Tire?

You shouldn’t put a tube in a tubeless lawnmower tire if the tire is cracked, punctured, or ripped. Furthermore, the rim needs to be in good condition for the tube to work properly. An incorrect tube size will over-inflate or under-inflate the tire, which could pop it.

Here’s a list of circumstances in which you should avoid putting a tube in a tubeless lawnmower tire:

• Don’t use a tube in your lawnmower’s tire if the tire’s tread is worn. A tube can inflate the tire, but it won’t save the tread. Driving with bad tread on your lawnmower will limit its traction and slide the tire around. It’s also more likely to pop.
• Tire tubes don’t work if the mower’s tire is torn or cut. Look for small cracks along the outside of the tire; These are clear signs of a tire that needs to be replaced. The tube should only be used to inflate and support a flat tire rather than act as its own brand-new tire.
• Not all lawnmowers can be supported by tire tubes. Check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to know if your lawnmower’s make and model can use tubes in the tires, even if it’s a tubeless model.
• Don’t expect the tube to be as sturdy or comfortable as the original tubeless tire. Most people use tubeless tires because they’re easier to replace and they require less maintainence. However, they also provide a different level of comfort. Adding a tube into a tubeless mower tire will affect the ride quality.

Wrapping It Up

If your lawnmower doesn’t have space for a tube, don’t forget to lubricate the mower wheels. Proper lubrication prevents rust, overheating, squeaking, and other unwanted mower issues. Tubes can be inserted into most tubeless mower tires, but not all of them. Follow the aforementioned guides and videos for step-by-step instructions.