Finding A Tire To Flip
I’ve received several questions from readers about how one can obtain a large tractor tire for flipping and other related exercises. Fortunately, it is usually a fairly easy process, with almost no cost involved. Most tire shops will gladly give away large tires from their scrap pile. The only cost incurred would be the fees associated with renting a truck to transport the tire.
Finding A Tire Supplier
If you wish to find a tire, you can start with an online search. Yahoo’s new local page feature is a good starting point.
From the link above, set your location and then enter tires in the search box.
After setting your location, Yahoo will then list all of the tire suppliers in your area. You’ll need to sort through those that specialize in automobiles vs. those that specialize in tires for larger trucks and tractors. The latter group will be more likely to have tires that can be used for flipping.
If you are not able to find any large tire suppliers initially, start by calling some of the automotive tire suppliers. They can likely refer you to a business who deals with larger tires. Many related businesses (in the same general area) will know each other. They should have no problem referring you to a company that specializes in larger tractor tires.
Once you find such a supplier, ask if you can take a look at their scrap pile. These large tires are not easy to dispose, so many suppliers will have a scrap pile on site. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Just because the tires are no longer suitable for driving, does not mean they will not be suitable for training.
I recently located a new supplier in my area, and they were more than happy to provide access to the scrap pile. I had pick of the litter, and was told that we could take as many tires as we wanted. I was doing them a service by ridding them of some “junk” tires.
Finding The Right Tire
As for finding the right tire, get your hands dirty and find a tire that is right for you. Often times, you will not know the exact weight of the tire, but it really isn’t necessary. Flip a few tires while searching through the scrap pile and find one that is suitable to your current strength level. From a conditioning standpoint, I prefer a mid-sized tire for fast paced circuits. For example, we’ll set the clock and flip a 500 to 600 pound tire as many times as possible during the period. We also mix the tire in within multiple exercise circuits (ex. quickly moving from one station to the next). Heavier tires can also be used for a greater strength challenge. If you have room, consider one mid-sized tire and one monster for pure brute strength.
Transporting The Tire
As for getting the tire home, Home Depot rents trucks by the hour. The sides go down so you can fit almost any size tire. In my local area, Home Depot had the best price on truck rentals, and it took just a few minutes to fill out the necessary paperwork.
Once you get the tire home, I’d start with a thorough cleaning. I use a scrub brush first, and then apply a spray-on foam automobile tire cleaner. This helps to clear any remaining brake dust, dirt, etc.
Flipping Your Tire
As for proper flipping technique, take a look at the video below, courtesy of the Diesel Crew.
You can also find tips within the article below:
http://www.elitefts.com/documents/tire_flipping.htm
Other Uses
These tires are also ideal as rebound surfaces for your sledgehammer. Refer to the Sledge I and Sledge II for more sledgehammer training ideas.
Happy flipping!
Ross
PS – For more low-tech equipment ideas, refer to the link homemade equipment archives
16 Comments so far
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Terrific article! Such a simple topic but answered every question I had about the “tire flipping business”. I will do this, this weekend so me and my trainees can get to work next week.
Thanks Ross!
Brilliantly informative.
Thanks again Ross!
Thanks as always for the great tips:
The tire is a simple tool and I got one a couple of weeks ago. I use it for a weekly conditioning drill. I do one minute of dips, sledge hammering, flips, plyo jumps, step-ups, decline puh-ups, leg raises, Bulgarian squats, pike push-ups and deline plank. Three rotations and I’ve hit everything.
Fit 4-Life
I would like to add some information I reciently discovered when trying to get rid of some tires. I had accumulated several tires and my wife informed me that I needed to thin them out. When I went to get rid of them the tire place said the semi truck tires would be about 5.00 to dispose, but the Large tractor tires would be 25.00 and the small 15.00. Something to keep in mind when picking one out.
Hey Ross it’s your boy Chuck,
I was recently flipping an 825lb tire down at the track by my house, Freaking awesome for brute strength & the smaller tires there were great for conditioning. But thanks for the video Ross cause my fraking biceps were killing me for 2 weeks after doing it, proper form is definitley what was missing. Thanks again Coach.
Thanks for the wicked tips, Ross.
I picked up my tire from HOLT CAT (http://www.holtpower.com) in San Antonio (TX) and it was FREE! I’d highly suggest contacting them, if one is available in your city. At first, it was difficult to track down the correct person but in the end they understood and have given tires out to the San Antonio Rugby team before.
Cheers,
–dennis
As a supplier of large earthmover tires to the steel and mining industry, I can tell you it is not cheap for a company to dispose of large earthmover tires. Due to EPA tire disposal regulations, a tire company may not be able to give away scrap tires for free. In this case offer to buy a “junk” tire. Any tire dealer can sell a “used training” tire for $1 or whatever, as long as its not at no charge… So, I would say, ask for the junk tire first, if you get shot down, ask to buy a “Training Weight” for $1. I’m sure you will get what you are after.
Ross my Gym Boss Interval timer came in and I had a chance to use it while flipping the tire. Talk about an awesome workout, I would flip for 15 minutes and Scriptless Train for 3 with the Interval Timer feature.
I move to Virginia tomorrow and my mom asked (get rid off it) if I planned on leaving the tire in her yard!!!!
Thanks for both tips,
Tim
It occurs to me when I look at the hammer on the tire that this is kind of the opposite of swinging a dumbbell or (if you buy expensive iron) a kettlebell. the same swing of a heavy object, but with impact (easier to let it hit than let the momentum die out as you swing it up). Might this be something to suggest in place of swings *up*? Both will get the heart going! Also, this is one of those inexpensive training methods. Very affordable.
If anyone knows a place in Los Angeles or San Gabriel Valley ares that have used tractor tires for sale, please post in here.
Thanks!
[...] Find A Large Tire For Flipping [...]
I am looking for one in San Antonio, TX, have called the Holt place and they have no idea on what im talking about, any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks…
Does anyone know of a place in Northern Virginia to get tires? Thank you
hey man i love the technique im 14 and can do a 430lb tire
hey you could check Weber Tire Company if you want i can give you their numbers
in northern VA