How to Cut Tractor Tires
Many jurisdictions have rules regulating the disposal of tractor tires. Many people elect to recycle and reuse tractor tires in some way. By cutting the tires down, you can often use them to landscape, create barriers or even build playground equipment such as sandboxes.
Things You Will Need:
- Safety goggles
- Leather cut-proof gloves
- Chalk
- Sharp knife
- Utility knife
- Chain saw
- Reciprocating saw
- Grinding wheel
- Use a piece of chalk to mark the tire. If necessary, use a tape measure to create straight lines or even markings.
- Begin cutting the side walls of the tractor tire. The side walls are free of metal reinforcement. They are composed of nylon and composite cords. Use your utility knife and sharp knife to cut your way through the side walls. Be sure to avoid the lip on the inside of the tire. The lip is reinforced by a steel wire, which will require a saw for cutting.
- Cut the lip inside the tire. Use a reciprocating saw to cut this lip and saw through the steel wire. Work your way around the tire slowly, so that you cut the lip out of the tire and retain its circular shape. Be sure to wear leather gloves during this process so that you do not cut your hands on the steel wire.
- Use the grinder to cut the tread of the tire. Begin by cutting a "V" shape in the rubber treads. Work your way down to the steel bands that support the tread. Maintain your angled cutting position or you can risk binding the grinder blade.
- Use the grinder to smooth any rough edges that may be present on the tire after cutting.