If you own a tractor, lawnmower, ATV, or other specialty vehicle, you know that finding the right tires and getting them mounted isn‘t always as simple as it is with your everyday car or truck. Many owners turn to retailers like Tractor Supply for a wide selection of tires and wheels for their equipment. But does Tractor Supply actually mount and install those tires too?
Content Navigation show
We did the research to bring you the answers. Here‘s everything you need to know about buying tires at Tractor Supply and your options for getting them mounted and ready to roll.
Tractor Supply‘s Tire and Wheel Selection
Tractor Supply is known for being a one-stop shop for all kinds of farming, gardening, and rural lifestyle needs – and that includes a wide array of tires and wheels. They carry tires for riding mowers, lawn tractors, farm tractors, ATVs, UTVs, trailers, wagons and more. You‘ll find major tire brands including BKT, Carlisle, Goodyear, Greenball, Kenda, Titan, and Tractor Supply‘s own Traveller brand.
In terms of wheels, Tractor Supply offers steel and aluminum wheels for tractors, zero-turn mowers, ATVs, golf carts and more. Basically, if it‘s a vehicle used in agriculture or rural properties, chances are Tractor Supply has tires and wheels to fit it. Their selection includes different tread patterns, sizes and ply ratings to suit different applications and budgets.
The knowledgeable staff at Tractor Supply can help you find the right tires and wheels for your specific make and model. They can look up the proper sizes and make recommendations based on your use case, whether that‘s heavy fieldwork, mowing lawns, hitting the trails, or towing.
Does Tractor Supply Offer Tire Mounting?
While Tractor Supply is a go-to source for specialty tires and wheels, there is one service they generally do not offer as of 2023: mounting tires on rims.
Tractor Supply stores are not typically equipped with the tire changing and balancing machines found in automotive shops. Their core business is retail sales of equipment and parts, not vehicle services. When you buy tires at Tractor Supply, you‘ll need to have them mounted elsewhere before installation on your tractor or other vehicle.
That said, policies can vary by location. It‘s always worth asking your local Tractor Supply if they have the ability to mount tires or if they partner with any local service providers who can. But in most cases, plan on having to make a separate stop to get those new tires mounted and balanced.
Where to Get Specialty Tires Mounted
So you‘ve got your new tires from Tractor Supply, but where can you take them to get professionally mounted on your rims? You have a few main options:
Auto and Tire Shops
Many general auto repair shops, tire centers, and quick lube locations have the equipment needed to change and balance tires – but that equipment is primarily designed for standard passenger vehicle tires. Smaller, wider specialty tires may not fit on their machines.
It‘s best to call ahead to your local shop to ask if they are able to work with tires for your specific vehicle type. Some may be willing and able to mount ATV or small trailer tires but not larger tractor tires, for example. Shops in rural areas are more likely to routinely handle tires for farm equipment and off-road vehicles.
Farm Equipment Dealers
Dealerships that sell tractors and other farm equipment usually have a service department equipped for the unique needs of ag tires. They can generally mount and balance tires for any of the tractor brands they sell and also work with tires purchased elsewhere.
These dealers are pros at servicing tractor and implement tires and are used to working with different rim styles, dual wheel configurations, fluid ballast, etc. Many also offer on-site service if you can‘t bring the equipment to them. Expect their rates for tire services to be higher than a standard auto shop though.
Specialty Tire Shops
Some tire shops specialize in or have dedicated facilities for farm, off-road, and industrial tires. These are more commonly found in agricultural regions. They will have the heavy-duty equipment and expertise for mounting and repairing all sorts of rugged-use tires.
Some may even be mobile-only businesses that bring the tire machines to you. An online search for "farm tire service" or "off-road tire shop" plus your local area is the best way to find these specialty providers.
DIY Mounting
If you‘re mechanically inclined, you can invest in your own tire changing tools to mount tires at home. Manual or pneumatic tire changer machines are available at a variety of price points. You‘ll also need an air compressor, bead seating tools, and wheel weights for balancing.
Mounting your own tires can be cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have a lot of equipment. However, it does require some know-how and physical effort. Specialty tires in particular can be challenging to change. Always follow proper safety precautions when attempting to mount your own tires.
Why Proper Tire Mounting Matters
Tires are one of the most critical components on any vehicle. Having tires professionally mounted and balanced is important for several reasons:
- Safety: A properly mounted tire is much less likely to have a catastrophic failure like a blowout or detachment from the rim. Improperly seated beads or unbalanced assemblies can cause dangerous vibrations and handling issues.
- Performance: Mounting a tire evenly on the rim ensures it will wear evenly as it rolls down the road or through the fields. Balanced tires are also important for minimizing vibration and maintaining proper traction and handling.
- Tire life: An incorrectly mounted tire that‘s loose on the bead or imbalanced experiences uneven stresses and will wear out much faster. You want to maximize the mileage and working hours you get out of expensive specialty tires.
- Equipment life: Vibrations from unbalanced tires and wheels put added stress on the bearings, axles and other drivetrain components of your tractor or vehicle. This can accelerate wear and lead to premature failures.
Other Tire Tips to Know
Proper mounting is essential when putting new tires on your wheels, but it‘s just one aspect of tire care. To get the most life and performance out of your Tractor Supply tires, keep these tips in mind:
- Check tire pressure regularly and keep tires inflated to the recommended PSI levels for your vehicle and application
- Visually inspect tires periodically for uneven wear, debris, and damage
- Know the age of your tires – even if they look OK, tires degrade internally over time and most have a recommended lifespan of about 10 years
- Have tires rebalanced if you notice vibration and get wheels re-aligned if you see uneven tire wear patterns
- Rotate tires to different positions on your equipment to promote even wear
- For winter traction, add tire chains – Tractor Supply carries chains to fit most tractors and loaders
- When in doubt, consult with a tire specialist or your equipment dealer for recommendations specific to your setup and use case
Advantages of Buying Tires at Tractor Supply
While you‘ll need to make an extra stop to get them mounted, there are still plenty of reasons to buy your specialty tires and wheels at Tractor Supply:
- Selection: With numerous major brands and sizes for everything from garden tractors to combines, Tractor Supply is a one-stop shop for farm, lawn and ATV tires.
- Availability: With over 1,700 retail locations in 49 states, you‘re never far from a Tractor Supply store for tires and other rural lifestyle needs.
- Expertise: Tractor Supply employees tend to be knowledgeable about the products they sell and the rural activities their customers engage in. They can offer helpful guidance in choosing the right tires.
- Competitive prices: With their retail buying power, Tractor Supply can offer very competitive everyday prices on major tire brands.
- Convenient shipping: Many tires are available to buy online and have shipped to your home or Tractor Supply store for pickup.
- Easy returns: If you happen to buy the wrong size or change your mind on tires, Tractor Supply accepts returns within 30 days.
So while you can‘t drive off on your new Tractor Supply tires the same day, their extensive inventory and helpful service still make them a top choice for many rural tire buyers. With some planning ahead for professional mounting, your specialty vehicles can be rolling on quality new rubber in no time.
