Replacement Tires For Wheelbarrows
Do you know how frustrating it is to load your wheelbarrow and with every push, it simply doesn’t budge? The wheelbarrow tire is one of the most important parts of a wheelbarrow. Without them, you will not be able to transport anything! There are different types of wheelbarrow tires namely; pneumatic, semi-pneumatic, plastic, and flat-free.
Each tire type performs differently on different terrains thus wearing out differently.
Let’s have a brief look at each:
· Pneumatic tires come with an internal air-filled tube. You will have to inflate the tube much like a bicycle tire to get it moving, unless it is punctured or otherwise spoilt. Care must be taken to ensure that the pressure is adequate to wheel through different terrains. On the plus side, the inflated tubes provide adequate shock absorption when wheeled on rocky terrains or uneven terrains for example. On the downside though, this type tends to go flat quite easily and can be frustrating to the ardent gardener. They can also get punctured when wheeled over sharp objects.
· Semi-pneumatic tires are relatively new on the market and have great shock absorption. Thus far, they tend to outlast other wheelbarrow tire types and can perform well on mixed terrain.
· Plastic tires are for very light use as they may get damaged with heavy loads. Expect to wobble all over the place with this type, especially if you insist on carrying a heavy load!
· Flat-free or solid tires are durable and don’t require much maintenance. You don’t have to worry about punctures with this type. On the downside though, they are not crafted to absorb shock well.
Do you need to replace or repair the tire?
If your pneumatic tire tends to go flat more often than not then you may need to consider replacing the tubes. You can check for a faulty tube by placing it underwater to reveal any leaks. If they are present then you should replace the tube.
If you are not able to repair the tire then you should consider replacing it. Spoilt plastic, solid tires, or semi-pneumatic tires will need replacing.
When replacing, pay close attention to the tire type and size, the load capacity, and the tread pattern. You need to find the right size of tires for your wheelbarrow. You need to ensure that it can carry the load it is designed to. Generally, the average load capacity is between 150-500 pounds.
It is important to pay attention to the tread pattern on your tires, especially if you will be using it on uneven ground. Go for deep, well,-defined grooves if you will be wheeling on uneven ground.
Conclusion
With the right equipment (a large flathead screwdriver in most cases), you can change your wheelbarrow tire and add some years of service to it. Perform a water test to determine if the tubes are punctured. If you decide to replace the tires then you need to pay attention to the tire size, its load capacity, and its tread pattern.