This process isn’t particularly difficult. It should only take 5-10 minutes to remove the wheel. Some batteries have terminals that you’ll need to disconnect while others can be pulled out of the mower without much trouble. On some mowers, you can’t access the battery pack. Every model is different when it comes to batteries. Some spark plugs are screwed into the engine and will need to be turned counterclockwise to remove them. If you have a blade lock on the handle of your power, close the handle together to lock the blades in place. You shouldn’t need to get too close to the blades while you’re doing this though, so don’t worry about it if you don’t have one. Take the battery or spark plugs out during any repairs you do to your lawnmower so you don’t get injured.
Many push mowers don’t have hubcaps, so don’t worry if you don’t have one. Simply skip this step.
You may be able to use a standard wrench or channel locks depending on the configuration of your mower.
A cotter pin looks like 2 parallel lengths of metal with a round section at the top. They resemble bobby pins. Cotter pins and washers are commonly used to protect the wheel from grinding against the nut as you’re pushing it. Many push mowers don’t have cotter pins or washers, though.
If you do need to pull firmly, enlist the help of a friend to brace the body of the mower for you to avoid knocking it over. If you’re going to replace the wheel, use a wheel that is the same brand and model as your original wheel. Install it by completing these steps in reverse order. Reconnect the spark plug or battery before turning the mower back on.
This process isn’t hard. Expect to spend 10-15 minutes removing a riding mower’s wheel. If your mower is on the lighter side, you don’t need to use a mower jack to elevate it. If you have a heavy duty mower though, you won’t be able to safely lift it to slide a brace underneath it. Don’t try lifting your mower if it is heavier than 75–100 lb (34–45 kg). To drive over the rigs for a mower jack, set your mower jack out and lower the 2 openings for your tires. All you have to do is ride slowly over the bars at the bottom of each rig until your wheels rest comfortably in each metal frame.
Mower jacks are different based on the model and brand. Read your instruction manual carefully to ensure that you’re safely using your mower jack. There are free-standing mower jacks that you can slide under the frame to elevate the mower if you prefer. Some mower jacks lock automatically as you raise them. If your mower does have a wheel lock, it will be a dial near your handle or a strap on each wheel rig. Turn this dial clockwise to tighten the wheel rigs or wrap the strap around each wheel to lock it. If you’re worried about the mower sliding off of the jack, put something heavy behind the wheels in the back to brace them.
Most riding mowers do not have hubcaps. If you do have a hubcap, pry it off by pulling it by hand or by using a flathead screwdriver. If this cap is made of metal, you’ll probably need to use a socket wrench or channel locks to loosen this piece.
A cotter pin is a type of fastener with 2 parallel lengths of metal with a round shape on top. Bigger cotter pins typically take quite a bit of force to remove. They rely on tension to hold the wheel in place, so you have to pull pretty hard to get a stronger cotter pin off.
These washers are typically quite easy to remove. There’s usually quite a bit space in between the pin and the opening in the middle of the washer.
The wheel may get jammed when you try to yank it out. It has to slide evenly the entire time that you’re removing it to get it off properly. Replace the wheel by completing these steps in the reverse order. Either remove the block underneath the mower or lower your jack before starting your mower back up.
Wheels may get stuck due to rust, corrosion, or foreign objects that have worked their way between the pin and the wheel. You can get an oil lubricant at your local construction or home supply store.
This forces the wheel loose by knocking it back into alignment with the pin. This may also straighten out any bent lengths of metal inside the frame of your wheel. You can use a maul or heavy wrench instead of a hammer if you prefer.
