For commercial landscapers, zero-turn mowers (ZTRs) are the kings of efficiency. But even kings need good footwear. Downtime due to tire issues can cripple schedules and impact bottom line. This article dives into essential tire tips and best practices specifically for ZTR mowers, helping you maximize performance, ensure safety, and delivering the perfect cut your client’s demand.
1. Make Tire Inspections part of Weekly Maintenance
Early problem detection saves time and money.
- Visual Sweep: Look for cuts, punctures, bulges, sidewall damage (cracks, tears), and embedded objects.
- Tread Check: Monitor tread wear. Uneven wear patterns indicate potential issues like misalignment, worn suspension components, or incorrect inflation. Replace tires when they are worn to the wear bars (the small, raised blocks of rubber built into the tread).
- Valve Stem Check: Ensure valve stems and caps are in good condition, check air pressure.
2. Monitor Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure plays a significant role in performance and longevity. Both under-inflation and over-inflation lead to uneven wear, reduced traction, and poor fuel efficiency.
- Underinflation causes tires to wear more quickly, reducing performance and potentially affecting mower stability.
- Overinflation can make the ride rough and cause uneven tread wear.
Check tire pressure before each use. Most commercial lawn mower tires should be between 18 and 22 PSI but refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. Keep a quality tire pressure gauge handy to adjust the pressure according to temperature changes, as pressure can fluctuate with the weather.
3. Proactive Puncture Prevention
It's impossible to avoid every hazard on the job but you can minimize the risk of tire punctures. To prevent damage:
- Avoid mowing over debris like rocks, nails, or thorns if possible.
- Use tire sealants or tire liners to help seal small punctures before they lead to flats. Tire sealant, a liquid added via the valve stem, coats the tire lining, seals any small punctures, and provides an extra layer of protection. A preventive measure to save time and money.
4. Rotate Tires for Even Wear
Just like with a car, rotating mower tires can extend lifespan by ensuring even wear. For ZTR mowers, you typically rotate the front and rear tires. Refer to your manual for recommendations.
If you notice uneven wear on one or more tires, rotate them more frequently. Doing so can prevent costly repairs and avoid having to replace all your tires at once.
5. Know When to Replace Tires
Despite good maintenance, tires eventually need replacement. Here are five signs it’s time to swap out your ZTR tires:
- Sidewall damage or dry rot – Cracked, dry, or brittle sidewalls signal that the tire is compromised.
- Frequent air loss – If the tire keeps losing air, it may be time for a replacement.
- Tread wear – If the tread has worn down to less than 3/32 of an inch, the tire’s ability to grip the terrain is compromised.
- Loss of traction on slopes – If your mower struggles to climb hills or navigate uneven terrain, the tires may no longer provide sufficient grip.
- Rough, uncomfortable ride – If the ride is bumpier than usual, uneven tire wear may be to blame.
Replacing worn-out tires improves ride quality, enhances traction, and ensures safety. See the MowMore blog on “Choosing the Right Tire for Your Commercial Lawn Mower.”
6. Proper Tire Storage Keeps Tires in Top Shape
How you store your mower off-season can affect the health of the tires. Store mower in a dry, shaded area to protect the rubber from UV rays, extreme temperatures, and chemical exposure. If storing for an extended period, consider elevating the mower on blocks to take the pressure off the tires. This helps prevent flat spots from developing from sitting in one place for months.
7. Be Prepared to Repair on Site
Keep a tire maintenance kit in your truck. This should include a pressure gauge, tire sealant, a valve stem core removal/replacement tool, extra valve stems and an Inflator.
Conclusion
Maintaining a commercial ZTR mower’s tires is not just about avoiding flat tires—it’s about maximizing performance, ensuring safety, and boosting the efficiency of your landscaping operation. By choosing the right tire, monitoring tire pressure, inspecting regularly, and rotating tires, you can keep your equipment running smoothly for years. Don’t wait until a flat tire brings your operation to a halt—take proactive steps today to keep your mower in top shape and ensure your business keeps on mowing!