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 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. Most 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. 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 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.
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!
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
I’m between Fredericksburg and Richmond and just picked up a couple tires today at the dump. We’re in a rural area and the county (Hanover) dump accepts tires to dispose of. When I took our home trash I looked over the selection and pulled out two that suit my needs.
…but, before I thought to check the dump I was going to go to one of the several tire shops on Rte 1 near Kings Dominion. If there’s a rest stop along I-95 outside a larger city chances are there are some truck tire repair places. While I didn’t end up asking, I can’t imagine that they don’t want to get rid of them. So once you’re south of Occoquan get off on Rte 1 and look around
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
with my tire in my drive way, i drilled a 3/4″ hole on every tread and then took it to pressure wash at gas station and cleaned it and then just rolled it around parking lot and the tread holes let all water/muck drip free
I started on the tread and ended up hitting the steel belt so I went to the side wall at the widest point. Still hit some steel belt but not as thick, drill went through. It work almost as well as the tread would, most of the rain water is drained out before I start my workout.
And you will cut your fingers every time you get in to drilled holes. Tires have metal ply , drilling bad idea
For free tires to flip, please call me in the Cincinnati, Oh area 513-460-5331
Whatta weak video, listening to that guy with no muscle talk about proper way to lift tires was great. Just pick it up. He’s one of those who’ll come up to you in the gym saying deep squats are bad for you or you’re doing shoulder presses too low.
Get your tire tips from watching strongman competition
Hi, I have a large tire that has been in my yard since I moved in seven years ago. Was about to put it on craigslist for free for use as a sandbox or something, but if someone’s interested in it for flipping, I’m in the Georgia, VT area. 802-527-1540.
Thanks,
-Eric
i’m in the los angeles area (san gabriel valley/pasadena) to be exact and need a large tractor or monster truck tire for flipping. used or junk tires for free are nice but i’m willing to pay for one. please contact me at randyw74 at ya hoo thanks!
I’m looking for a 1000 lb tire for my boyfriend. He’s a Crossfit trainer and the one he wanted to buy by his house got sold. So, I’m on a covert mission now trying to find one that size, or as close as possible, for him. I’m really clueless when it comes to this, so any suggestions are greatly appreciated
I have many 400lb new (old tires) available. $100 each. Available for pick up in California. Nice tread with good grips for quick flipping.
feel free to mail me at: jpehanick@gmail.com
Looking for a tire in the 400lb range within 30 miles of the 22553 zip code.
Will haul in my own truck
S/F,
OFR Gunny Doug
I AM IN MICH. AND HAVE SEVERAL LARGE LOADER STYLE AND LARGE TRUCK TIRES ALSO SOME TRACTOR TIRES. AREA CODE 48419, CALL AREA CODE 810-404-0544
i am in the los angeles area and looking for a 400-500 lb high and wide flotation farm tire. please email me at randallmwong@yahoo.com, or call or text at 626-695-9927.
to Nadine above. i have a gigantic beast of a tractor tire that is as close to 1,000 lbs as you’ll ever find. it’s so huge it takes more than one regular guy to even move it. i would guess its weight to be around 700 pounds but i wouldn’t be surprised if it’s actually heavier than that. tire is solid and has really nice tread for good gripping. are you in the los angeles area? i’ll sell it for $200. email me at randallmwong@yahoo.com if you’re interested.
I am looking for a 400 to 500 lb tire for flipping in the Miami-dade or Palm Beach Gardens area. If anyone has or no anyone who has one please let me know via this post, thank you.
anymore leads on some big ass inexpensive tires in the los angeles area? ?
email me if so please kushman1969(at)gmail(dot)com
from what i gather there are almost none in los angeles, heard if you’re closer north in CA of are willing to make the trip a town called buttonwillow has (a) tire field(s) might wanna check there.
Gail materials in Corona Ca will give for free, have tires upto 700 pounds from them
Hey I’m in Cincinnati, OH and I’m looking for an exercise tire around 200lbs. Any help would be appreciated
Hey y’all… I’m in Columbia, SC.any ideas where to get a tire for my garage gym around here? Thanks sio much!
Im from NJ looking for a tire to work out with that is about 200lbs. Anyone have one?
Cleveland Area (east or west side)- looking for old tractor tires to flip for free/cheap. email: oasisdesigns43@gmail.com
I’m not too concerned about weight, me and my roommates are looking to use these and could use anything (small weight for individual, larger weight for team flips).
Call companies that run earth movers the big places change there own tires and the tires are heavy. Most of the tires that they use for strongman type lifts are earthmover tires. ” tractor ” tires generally don’t weight more than 300lbs the earthmover and other construction type tires that are built to run faster and over rock and concrete can weigh tons.
Home Depot in the NE Ohio area will not rent a truck unless you purchase items from their store. In fact, they get mad when you ask to rent a truck by the hour for anything other than hauling items you’ve purchased from their store.
In Los Angeles, I have not found a tractor tire place, but Lorenzo’s at 12810 S. Main street will sell you for $5 their junk tires used for backhoes or other large machines. The thing weighs maybe 100-150lbs and is 3.5 ft in diameter. Unfortunately, after one session it already has a 3 inch tear using a 10 lb sledge. I guess you really do need a big ol’ 300 lb beast.
LOOKING FOR A 400LB TIRE IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A PLACE IT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED.
I live in North East Texas and would love to give away about 100 various sizes old tires. Come and get as many as you want.
That sucks because I take used tires but that’s in a different state,I’m trying to get as many used tires as I can to make money
I am in Hartford CT,can any show me where I can get a heavy duty tire to flip…thx.
Years ago, I got my tires (for free) from GCR Tires in South Windsor. That’s actually where the time from the picture came from.
Looking for tractor tires like that please .im maryland viginia dc pa wv accessible.
Where can I get a tyre from
I have been thinking about getting an earthmoving tyre. One of my goals for the new year is to get in better shape and I think that tyre flips would be a great idea. Thanks for all the advice, I’ll go and find a 500 to 600-pound tyre.
I LIVE IN GRAYSLAKE ILLINOIS AND WOULD LIKE A TIRE ANYWHERE FROM300 LBS TO 500 LBS. ANY IDEAS AS TO WHERE TO GO? I’M 50 MILES NORTH OF CHICAGO.
I am from Az zip is 85048
My phone number is (651) 200-5492
I have a 175lb and a little one that is 117lb more for dragging im giving them both of them away for free but you have to come pick them up.
Text me with your name and letting me your interested in the tires