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Because ride on mowers use tubeless pneumatic tires (just like your car), they are susceptible to punctures just like any other tire. All of the debris lying hidden in your grass actually increases the chances that you will have to deal with a puncture at some point. Sometimes, you might be able to repair the tire instead of simply replacing it – and here's how you can do just that.
Step 1: Move the mower to a level area and place a floor jack under the front or rear of the frame (depending on which tire is flat). Raise the jack until the mower is sitting about 6 inches off the ground.
Step 2: Rotate the tire until you see where the puncture has occurred; if you see something embedded in the tire, pull it out with a pair of pliers. If you cannot see the hole, fill the tire with air and listen for hissing.
Step 3: Insert the reamer tool from your tire repair kit into the hole. The tool will resemble a round file with a handle. Push and pull the reamer in and out of the hole a few times to create an even hole.
Step 4: Remove a tar strip from its plastic backing and insert it through the end of the threading tool so that it is centred. This tool will resemble the eye of a needle at one end.
Step 5: Use the threading tool to insert the tar strip into the hole until only about half an inch is visible. Twist the threading tool and remove it quickly; the strip should release and remain in the hole.
Step 6: Fill the tire with air and check that it remains inside. Then, lower the jack back the ground and remove it from underneath the mower. Check that the patch is still in place and the tire is still filled with air.
When searching for the puncture in your ride on mower's tire, it is important that you check the sidewall for signs of holes and even the tread for small tears, which could also be the cause of the problem. If you have punctures such as these, however, you will need to replace the tire instead of repairing it, as this sort of damage cannot be reversed.
Michael Pollock
