If your lawn mower is leaving uneven stripes, struggling to maintain a straight line, or forcing you to fight for control on slopes, the problem likely lies in your rear wheels.
Over time, plastic hubs wear out, treads smooth down, and damaged wheels reduce cutting precision and strain your machine.
Choosing the correct replacement—often matching popular parts like 917370692—is crucial for restoring balance, stability, and smooth operation.
We’ve analyzed top contenders, focusing on durability, traction, and seamless fit across major brands like Craftsman and Husqvarna, ensuring you get back to efficient, confident mowing.
A small investment in quality rear wheels can dramatically improve performance across challenging surfaces.
1. Antanker 12″ Rear Lawn Mower Wheels – Best Overall
Revitalize your walk-behind mower with these versatile Antanker wheels, a premier choice for reliable rear wheel replacement.
Their standout feature is the aggressive, patterned tread design, which immediately promises superior grip and stability where older, worn wheels have failed.
Crafted from high-quality plastic, the construction feels robust, and the 12-inch diameter coupled with a 1-3/4 inch width ensures a smooth roll over bumpy terrain and thick grass.
These wheels offer broad compatibility, fitting numerous popular models from brands like Craftsman and Husqvarna, solving the common headache of finding an exact match.
Prioritizing performance, the Antanker wheels deliver a more confident mowing experience than more basic budget options, making them a significant upgrade over standard stock components.
Best For: Walk-behind mower owners who prioritize superior traction on damp lawns or slight inclines.
Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wheel Size | 12×1.75″ |
| Compatibility | Craftsman, Husqvarna, Honda, Yard Machines |
| Material | High-quality plastic |
| Hub Size | 1/2 inch nylon |
Pros
- Wide brand compatibility
- Enhanced aggressive traction
- Durable plastic construction
- Easy, hassle-free installation
- Smooth rolling over terrain
Cons
- Basic plastic material
- No installation hardware
- Load capacity unspecified
2. Sutmorly 12×1.75″ Lawn Mower Rear Wheels – Best Budget Friendly
The Sutmorly replacement wheel kit offers an effortless and comprehensive solution for worn-out mower wheels, serving as a reliable direct replacement for popular dimensions like 12-inch by 1-3/4 inch.
What sets this package apart is its exceptional value, as it comes complete with plastic spacers and metal washers, providing everything needed for a quick and complete fix without needing separate hardware purchases.
These wheels boast a solid, puncture-proof construction, eliminating concerns about flats, and each carries a sufficient 50 lb. load rating for standard walk-behind mowers.
Designed for the budget-conscious DIYer, this kit performs admirably on typical suburban lawns, ensuring a stable and smooth roll across moderately uneven ground. This makes the Sutmorly model an all-inclusive and convenient choice for hassle-free repair.
Best For: The DIY mechanic needing an all-in-one replacement kit focused on value and straightforward installation.
Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wheel Diameter | 12 Inch |
| Compatibility | Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna, Yard Machines |
| Load Rating | 50 lb. per wheel |
| Inclusions | Spacers and metal washers |
Pros
- Complete installation kit
- Solid, puncture-proof design
- Excellent competitive value
- Broad compatibility range
- Convenient repair experience
Cons
- Basic tread pattern
- Moderate load limit
- Less aggressive grip
3. 8-Inch Universal Lawn Mower Wheels – Best Compact Size Option
Uncomplicated and efficiently designed, this 8-inch wheel kit is an optimal solution for owners of smaller push mowers.
Its strength lies in its user-friendly, all-in-one format, which includes pre-installed inner and outer bearings, plus the necessary bolts and nuts.
This thoughtful package transforms a potentially frustrating search for compatible hardware into a simple, rapid replacement task.
The smaller 8-inch diameter makes these wheels perfectly suited for compact mowers, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces and around garden borders.
Utilizing a solid tire design, the wheels ensure you never have to deal with flats, providing stable and smooth operation for maintaining small, relatively flat lawns where agility is a key advantage.
Best For: Smaller walk-behind mowers operating on compact, relatively flat lawns where agility and simple setup are crucial.
Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wheel Size | 8-Inch |
| Axis Width | 1-1/4 inches |
| Bore Diameter | 1/2 inch |
| Features | Bearings pre-installed |
Pros
- All required hardware included
- Pre-installed bearings for speed
- Excellent compact size
- Solid tire prevents flats
- Great in tight lawn areas
Cons
- Small 8-inch diameter
- Limited traction potential
- Not for rough terrain
4. AR-PRO 20×8.00-8 Rear Tire Assemblies – Best for Riding Mowers
The AR-PRO assembly is built for maximum durability and the heavy demands of serious riding mower use, existing in a class entirely separate from plastic walk-behind wheels.
This robust system is a full upgrade, featuring a 4-ply tubeless pneumatic tire that is pre-mounted on a solid steel rim.
Designed to handle challenging and expansive properties, the assembly boasts a staggering 965-pound maximum load capacity, effectively solving issues of premature wear common with standard equipment tires.
The hybrid tread pattern expertly combines turf-safe design with aggressive lugs, offering outstanding traction on wet ground and hills without scalping the turf.
This assembly is the definitive choice for property owners who demand high performance and long-term reliability from their heavy machinery.
Best For: Property owners operating heavy riding lawn mowers or tractors requiring extreme load capacity and superior pneumatic traction on challenging ground.
Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tire Size | 20×8.00-8 |
| Load Capacity | 965lbs |
| Rim/Tire Type | Steel Rim, 4-ply pneumatic tire |
| Borehole | 3/4″ |
Pros
- Extremely heavy-duty construction
- High-traction turf lugs
- Massive 965lb capacity
- Robust solid steel rims
- Significant performance upgrade
Cons
- Intended for riding mowers only
- Specific keyway fitment
- Requires higher investment
Lawn Mower Rear Wheels Buying Guide
Check Wheel Size and Fitment
Always verify the required diameter, width, and hub size against your current wheel or mower manual. Most push mowers use 12-inch wheels with a 1/2-inch hub, common in Antanker and Sutmorly models.
Using the wrong size affects deck height and compromises the quality of your cut. Riding mower owners must verify specific tire sizes like the AR-PRO 20×8.00-8.
Confirm Compatibility with Your Mower Brand
While many replacements, such as those from Sutmorly and Antanker, offer universal fitment for brands like Craftsman and Toro, always check the listed compatibility.
Specific mowers, such as those from YARDMAX, often require their own OEM replacement wheel (e.g., the 11-inch model) to ensure optimal function and fitment.
Choose Durable, Puncture-Proof Material
Solid plastic or rubber wheels, like the Sutmorly and Antanker models, are puncture-proof and ideal for frequent, low-maintenance use on walk-behind mowers.
Conversely, pneumatic tires, such as those featured on the AR-PRO assembly, provide superior cushioning and traction, but require periodic air maintenance for optimal performance.
Look for Stability and Traction Features
Better traction results in smoother mowing and reduced strain on the machine. Wheels featuring turf lugs or patterned treads, like the aggressive design of the Antanker or the hybrid pattern on AR-PRO tires, significantly improve grip, especially on wet or uneven lawns and challenging inclines.