Can't get new tires to seat on bead

[brucec32]

I ordered a pair of new mower tires (15x6.00-6) and cannot get them to seat on the beads and inflate. They arrived pretty squashed flat so now the edges are too close together to catch and inflate. It's almost like they were folded down the center. I've seen them like this before but never this bad.

I have tried the old strap around the circumference method and it won't work as the tire is effectively only about 2" wide because of being squashed flat.

Besides the lighter fluid explosion trick is there a way to get the tires back into normal shape so I can inflate them?

[corey4671]

PERFECT scenario for the lighter fluid trick!!! ALthough I don't use lighter fluid but rather starter fluid or WD 40.

[MowerMedic77]

When we get them like that we set them out in the hot afternoon sun and they become a little more pliable, also have some cut 2x4 pieces that we stick between the beads to spread the tire while they cook out there for the real stubborn ones. Its not perfect but it does help.

[dansikes]

With big rig tires we also use a chain and binder. Put the chain around the entire tire and work the binder up and down while airing up the tire almost always does the trick. Now you just need to find a way to scale that down a bit to accommodate those small mower tires. Hope that helps:drinkup:

[P.Services]

stop being a girl and get a can of starting fluid. you could have them all aired up now if you just grab your nuts.

[Stillwater]

I use propane, I think it is safer for inflation as apposed to flaming lighter fluid being splashed on you when lit.

[Mowindown]

I take a 5 gallon bucket and cut the bottom off it and make one cut down the side so I just have the side of the bucket. Take that and put it round the tire then put a ratchet strap a round that and ratchet it down till the bead get close enough to seat. I haven't done this on a 15" tire just a 13" so you may need two bucket sides to get it all the way around the tire. Another way is put some tubes in the tires and they will pop right on. Hope you get them on there.

[DiyDave]

The tool you need is called the bead Cheetah, like this one: http://www2.northerntool.com/auto-repair/tire-equipment/item-145999.htm

The problem is the $400 price tag. I stole the idea, took a holesaw to a portable air tank, mig-welded a 1-1/2" pipe nipple to the tank at the hole, added a valve, and custom, sledge hammer pounded nozzle, and viola! Success. You take a clip on chuck, place it on the valve stem, place the nozzle against the loose bead, open the valve, and whoosh, the tire is up on the bead, and taking air! :cool2::cool2:

[brucec32]

Thanks. I actually tried WD-40 and unlike in the numerous online videos of this it wouldn't ignite for whatever reason. Maybe I have bought the idiot proof variety or the % of propellant in it has gone too low. Then I started thinking about how little I know about what any explosion would do and started looking at other alternatives. I certainly wouldn't be putting in enough starter fluid (or anything) to have to worry about flaming chunks of it though.

I did manage to think to set them outside in the sun and used small bottle jacks inside them to try to stretch them back into shape once they heat up. Of course it immediately clouded up and started raining so this tactic may take a few days.

It's a second line mower, no rush. It had tubes in the old tires actually. I thought this would be a good time to replace the worn tires as well. But I may order some tubes eventually if I can't get a fix in a reasonable amount of effort.

[bc3xx0]

Thanks. I actually tried WD-40 and unlike in the numerous online videos of this it wouldn't ignite for whatever reason.

Wd40 don't burn like it used to. I always used ether.

[corey4671]

Wd40 don't burn like it used to. I always used ether.

well I learned something here. Had no idea that WD 40 had been "watered down". AS a kid I used to be a pyromaniac. That and the fact that now I use Fluid Film I haven't used WD 40 in quite a while.

[Edzel]

put in one onces of regular gas... roll it a bit so the gas spread around.. sit it outside... light li with a candle.. you get instant 10lbs pressure... loll

[DiyDave]

put in one onces of regular gas... roll it a bit so the gas spread around.. sit it outside... light li with a candle.. you get instant 10lbs pressure... loll
Don't do this, Alls you'll end up doing is burning down your shop, and removing your nose hairs and eyebrows, if you are lucky. If you are not so lucky, you'll end up looking like nancy peelousy!
:blob2::blob2:

[Edzel]

put in one onces of regular gas... roll it a bit so the gas spread around.. sit it outside... light li with a candle.. you get instant 10lbs pressure... loll

Yes don't follow my id... we do it on are farm tractor when we are in trouble.. but we are careful ... so if you are not use to it... stick to belt around and heat..

[pugs]

What brand are the tires and where did you buy them?

[Ctll]

recoil rope around the center twisted tight with a screwdriver on small tires works like a strap does on bigger tires. Valve core being out lets more air in faster if you are still trying to seat if the normal way, once the bead is seated put the core back in and air up normally. I have used carb cleaner to seat tires but I alway take the valve stem core out as a pressure relief, not enough pressuse to blow the tire off the rim if no core in the stem.

[4.3mudder]

recoil rope around the center twisted tight with a screwdriver on small tires works like a strap does on bigger tires. Valve core being out lets more air in faster if you are still trying to seat if the normal way, once the bead is seated put the core back in and air up normally. I have used carb cleaner to seat tires but I alway take the valve stem core out as a pressure relief, not enough pressuse to blow the tire off the rim if no core in the stem.

Bingo, this one is perfect. Try it. maybe even some starting fluid or hell anything flammable for that matter.

[Staffordnurseries]

Good reason for wd40 not burning. People use it for a penetrant on stuck parts. When it doesnt work they get out the torch

I wrap the cable from a come along (cable type) and lub the inside of the wheel with windex.

Always worked