Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tubeless tires on lawn equipment, rear tine rototiller, chipper shredder

Question
Hi Mike!

I have a Craftsman 8 hp rear-tine rototiller and a Craftsman 9 hp chipper/shredder.  Both are about 5 year old.  Neither of these machines has seen extensive use and have negligible "wear".  However, both tires on the chipper-shredder and now one tire on the rototiller have developed "flats"--i.e.,the beads have broken on the rims.  First of all, I have no idea how this could've occurred. And, secondly, I don't have a clue as to how to go about repairing these tires. Can you provide any help here?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi David,

This does happen and has happened to my chipper and other yard equipment.  Either your tire has a puncture or just a slow leak, which after sitting deflated on the rim has broken the bead.  You could reseat the bead by squeezing the tire inward, while someone adds air with a compressor.  The bead should catch and reseat.  A small nylon ratchet strap, around the diameter of the tire sometimes works when a helper is not available.  Make sure the rim and bead are clean of dirt.  Which brings us to the cause of the problem.  If there is a puncture it will need to be repaired but if there is a slow leak it might be caused by a rusty rim or just a poor seating area or old tires.  You could try a solution of liquid detergent on the area which sometimes acts as a sealant.  What I have ended up doing in many cases is just adding a tube inside the tire.  That always solves any leak problems.

Good Luck,
Michael