Tire-Rim situation plus a bonus question

[Lee Barker]

The project is a riding mower chassis converted to parade vehicle. Novelty is way more important than speed.

I purchased a pair of the wheels on the left from BMI, item 260388, described as "8 x 8.5 rim." The rear tires, shown on the stock rim, are 18 x 8.50 x 8. The rims are exactly the same diameter; it's the width which concerns me.

The new rims are over an inch wider. Will these tires function on those rims? If they look a little weird, that's ok.

The bonus question: I have not found any info on the forum about the Harbor Freight mini tire changer, item #61179. I currently do these changes with a clutter and a half of lever-like tools, plus several kitchen utensils, a 55 gallon drum of Dawn and steel-toed boots. Would you advise I purchase this device, particularly if you could come over anytime and use it?

 

[AltuveRules]

I don't know about the tire changer, but this method rules for putting them on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgoRelvwBUI Taking them off...

 

[Hellion]

Neat, but as always regardless of method, the efforts in one way or another scar the rims.

I cringe when guys man-handle tires onto the rims and scraaaaape the circumference of the wheel with a tire iron/spoon... even on, yes, brand new $$$$ rims.
Yes, I have nice new go kart rims and wish to keep them that way.

As far as the too-wide rims, you may have a heck of a time getting the tire beads to seat. It's hard enough as it is when the rims are the right size.

Don't discount the fire method (already covered on the forum) for accomplishing that task.

 

[AltuveRules]

Neat, but as always regardless of method, the efforts in one way or another scar the rims.

True, but it's really better than most. Only a little spot by the vice grips and you could even pad that with a rag etc. to make it negligible.

 

[Ebrownie]

The reason your rim is wider than the old one is because your tires are 8.50" wide. A tire can be anywhere from 0"-3" wider than the rim, depending on what you use it for. The tires don't have anything to do with rim width. So, I would assume you have 7" or 7.50" wide rims, with 8.50" wide tires.

These wider rims will work, but like hellion said, it will be tougher to set the bead. If you don't want to use fire, try a ratchet strap and a lot of air. There are several methods around on the internet, just look on YouTube.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Can I get a "rim shot?" ( Sorry, couldn't help myself!)

 

[OzFab]

The bonus question: I have not found any info on the forum about the Harbor Freight mini tire changer, item #61179. I currently do these changes with a clutter and a half of lever-like tools, plus several kitchen utensils, a 55 gallon drum of Dawn and steel-toed boots. Would you advise I purchase this device, particularly if you could come over anytime and use it?

As I couldn't buy one of those, I made my own... Just saying...

One issue I can see with the HF tool is the mounting/demounting tool; with mine, even with hooked ends on the levers, they can still slip off the rim; I can see this being an issue with the HF version as there is no hook on the mounting section...

 

[Bbqjoe]

Neat, but as always regardless of method, the efforts in one way or another scar the rims.

I cringe when guys man-handle tires onto the rims and scraaaaape the circumference of the wheel with a tire iron/spoon... even on, yes, brand new $$$$ rims.
Yes, I have nice new go kart rims and wish to keep them that way.

As far as the too-wide rims, you may have a heck of a time getting the tire beads to seat. It's hard enough as it is when the rims are the right size.

Don't discount the fire method (already covered on the forum) for accomplishing that task.

I find the fire method works quite well in seating the bead.
One of the days I might just try that method taking them off.

 

[Denny]

The reason your rim is wider than the old one is because your tires are 8.50" wide. A tire can be anywhere from 0"-3" wider than the rim, depending on what you use it for. The tires don't have anything to do with rim width. So, I would assume you have 7" or 7.50" wide rims, with 8.50" wide tires.

These wider rims will work, but like hellion said, it will be tougher to set the bead. If you don't want to use fire, try a ratchet strap and a lot of air. There are several methods around on the internet, just look on YouTube.

Tire width has everything to do with rim size. In your case you will be using the proper new rim with the tire so do not worry. On small diameter rims like the ones we use an inch either way will be safe. Too narrow of a rim will cause a tire to round over in the tread. I have also seen in person where some one tried mounting a wide tread on a narrow rim and blew one side off the rim airing it up to pressure. He pooped himself. I have also seen where too narrow of a tire was mounted on too wide of a rim and in a corner the tire broke the bead loose and rapidly deflated. Remember safety first!


Denny

 

[Texan]

I have the Mini Tire Changer. It did not work well to remove my go kart tires from the wheels, but the tire bead band was basically rusted to the wheel from sitting so long, I eventually had to cut the tires off the wheel. Once I installed new tires, I had a leak on one tube and used the tire changer to take off the tire, then it worked really good. I have yet to use it to install a tire. One thing I didn't like is the cheap all thread cone stud, it bends easily.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I find the fire method works quite well in seating the bead.
One of the days I might just try that method taking them off.

I find the fire removal method tends to make the rim soft...

 

[Lee Barker]

Just a followup here after some good input: The tires went on the rims and fit just fine. Pics attached.

Several Fire Method tries were fruitless so I added strap pressure and Bingo Bongo Boingo. That was filled with learning and fun.

Oh, and I bought the HF Mini Tire Changer and posted a review in the FAQ/Articles section (I hope that's the right place).