I love gardening, and if you live near me, you will see me in the yard walking behind my lawn mower quite often.
It may sound funny, but it is true. Maintaining and mowing my lawn is my happy place, and I always look forward to doing it. Except when the wheels get stuck; then I regret buying a lawn mower in the first place. This was something I faced very often when I was new to using lawn mowers.
I mention this because about a month ago, my best friend Lucy told me something I didn’t know about her. She said she never uses her lawn mower unless her husband is around in case the wheels get stuck or something bad happens. This was my cue to give her a few tips and tricks.
Soon after she left, I started writing this guide on how to remove a stuck lawn mower wheel. I figured if my friend has this issue, then there must be more people out there suffering from the same problem.
Hi! I’m Stacy, and hopefully, these tips and methods will help you take matters into your own hands.
How To Remove A Stuck Lawn Mower Wheel
Should You Call In A Professional?
I know how daunting it can be when you’re trying to mow the lawn, but the mower just won’t go ahead. It can pause the rest of the day’s activities and spoil the mood. But there is no need to call a professional for this or look around for help.
Most of the time, the wheel gets stuck because something on the ground gets stuck inside. It is nothing complicated and can be removed easily with tools available in the house. All you need to know is how to detach the wheel and then reattach it, post-cleaning.
There are multiple ways to go about this, and each method is as good as the next. However, I prefer to use oil and a mallet to get rid of whatever is jamming the wheel.
The Oil And Mallet Method
This is one of the easiest ways to go about fixing a stuck wheel. You will need gloves, a mallet, penetrating oil, and a hydraulic jack for this method. In addition, find a screwdriver, pliers, wrench, and woodblocks. All of these things are common tools available around the house.
Step 1
Ensure that the mower is flat on the ground, and put your gloves on. After that, make sure nothing is connected and disconnect even the spark plug as a safety measure. Once it is disengaged, use the hydraulic jack to lift the mower. Depending on which side the stuck wheel is at, you will have to lift the mower from there.
Step 2
Once the mower is lifted, you will have to place wooden blocks or a jack stand under it. If you have ever changed the tires of a car, everything should be easy till now. Much like with the car, you have to make sure the stand/blocks are well placed and are secure to hold the mower up.
After securing the blocks/stand, lower the mower onto them and remove the jack. This will leave you with the mower resting on the block/stand.
- 500 lbs Load Capacity: The lawn mower lift jack boasts a powerful lifting capacity of 500 lbs, providing reliable support for heavy vehicles such as lawn mowers, tillers, brush cutters, and ATVs, allowing for blade sharpening or replacement without disassembling the mower platform, saving significant maintenance costs.
- Hydraulic Lifting: The lawn mower lift with hydraulic jack can be raised to a maximum height of 25.9" (0.66 m). Utilizing hydraulic principles, it allows for faster, safer, and easier lifting. The handle can be operated from either end.
- Adjustable: The carbon steel lawn mower lift features adjustable tire frame arms with 4 settings on each end, making it compatible with any lawn tractor or ZTR mower on the market, accommodating front wheel tire outer edges from 40.4"to 48.2".
- Vehicle Compatibility: Made from sturdy and durable carbon steel, this lever-style ride on lawn mower lift jack has a load capacity of up to 880 lbs, making it suitable for a variety of riding lawn mowers, ATVs, and garden tractors.
- Easy Lifting: First, position the tires into the bottom frame, which accommodates a maximum tire width of 39.5" (1.0 m). Then, simply rotate the lawn tractor lift's handle clockwise to easily raise the mower to 23.6" (0.6 m) at a maximum angle of 36°, allowing easy access to the chassis.
- Fast and Stable: The riding lawn mower lift jack features two types of handles that allow for manual rotation as well as quick lifting using a power drill. With a stable base and a secure locking mechanism, it ensures a stable and safe lifting experience.
Step 3
Since you have full access to the wheel, working on it is a lot easier. First, remove the hubcaps using a flathead screwdriver. On the off chance that the screwdrivers don’t work, use pliers to loosen it and then open it by hand.
Once the cap is off, you will have better access to the bolt, which can be removed using a wrench.
Step 4
Using a penetrating oil here is key since the oil will loosen the wheel from the axle and shaft. All you need to do is spray the wheel evenly, including the bolts and center of the rim, and leave it for 2 hours. This is a reasonable amount of time for the oil to do its job and loosen any gum/debris that are stuck.
Step 5
The next step would be to hit the rim with the mallet. Do it softly the first few times to check if it is loosening; if not, increase force. Tap the rim with the mallet and continue till the wheel starts moving. In case it is not moving smoothly, use the oil in 5-10 minute intervals and repeat.
Step 6
The final step will be to check if the wheel is entirely free from the gum/debris that were keeping it from moving. For this, you need to pull the wheel out of the axle, which should happen smoothly if nothing else is there. Once done, reinstall the wheel and continue with the mowing.
Word Of Caution
As I mentioned, there are many other ways to remove a stuck wheel, like by using heat and wax. However, the oil and mallet method is very easy and all the tools needed are right in your toolbox. But before you start working, there are few things to take care of.
First of all, make sure the engine is turned off. I know this one sounds silly, but it’s easier to miss small steps like these when you are a bit frazzled. So, always remember to turn everything off and disconnect the wires.
Secondly, clean the wheels as you work with them. Keep them clear of any debris, branches or anything that can cause them to get stuck again. And finally, do not overexert yourself. This may be an easy method for anyone to do at home, but it can become strenuous.
To Sum It Up
This is just a roundup of what I told Lucy, who later dropped me a thank you message and told me she was feeling more confident. I hope this method and my guide on it would be just as helpful for you.
Before leaving, I would like to remind you to take care of the lawn mowers and keep maintaining them from time to time. Regular checks will avoid the possibility of stuck wheels and make the mowing process smooth and fun. On that note, I shall say goodbye but promise to return with many more guides and tips.
See you next time!