Using a chain saw to cut up old tires?

[Danausplexippus]

Years ago someone threw some tires on my property in the back. Now there are some trees growing up through 
two of them that I don't want to kill.Will it damage my saw or my chain if I use a chain saw to cut through the
tires so that I can get rid of them?

[Ianab]

A lot of tires have steel wires in them. That won't do your chain any good. 

[donbj]

I haven't cut up a tire in a long time but they used to have wire running around the bead area. That and your chain won't get along together

[Caloren]

Even 'non steel' tires will have a steel cord around the bead of the tire. Other than that I don't see a problem. Maybe use a sawzall to cut through the bead first.

[btulloh]

Sawzall

[lxskllr]

I'll third the sawzall. If a chainsaw is the only way, I'd use my worst bar and chain. If you don't have a beater bar, I'd buy something Chinese for the task.

[Bandmill Bandit]

Chainsaw dont like rubber at all! It basically stop the chain real quick from rubber packing into the bar slot. Sawzall is you very best bet unless you have a concrete saw you can put a metal cutting wheel on for the task.

  

[hedgerow]

Have cut many a tire with a sawzall. Don't think I would try a chain saw. 

[doc henderson]

get a metal blade or carbide SAR blade, if you have a ton to do.

[YellowHammer]

A chainsaw is for wood. 

A Sawzall is for, well, it's name pretty much says it all. 

[ChrisRoss]

some tires have steel wires. If you try to cut them with chainsaw, the saw could not cut them. Instead your chain may wear a bit.

[Pine Ridge]

Like everyone has said a sawzall. Concrete hotsaw could be rented from a rental store and would work.

[sablatnic]

Only two, I'd dare using the chainsaw, and use a wire cutter for the bead wire.
Take care though, I don't mind using chainsaws for digging trenches in my lawn for signal wires for robotic mowers!

[Crusarius]

Don't forget the steel bands around the tread area. I am guessing they are radial tires which are typically steel belted all around the tread.

Use a sawzall. Using any lube you can on the blade will help with the binding you WILL have. 

Another option is a circular saw. The steel that is in the tire will not damage a decent carbide blade only dull it a little faster than normal. Definitely be careful if you use this approach. The blade bind can be murder.

[Al_Smith]

A sawzall will get it but talk about stink to  high heavens .If you manage  to "stick" a blade it will rattle the teeth right out of your head .

[Crusarius]

Forgot to mention. CUT SLOWLY! The blade will last alot longer and not stick so bad from the heat.

[gspren]

Sawzall, then mix bar oil and diesel about 50-50 and squirt it on the blade while you're cutting.

[bluthum]

My vote goes to a cordless skill saw with something less than a new run of the mill  carbide blade. Finish the bead with a Sawzall. I cut some tire bead wire with a Sawzall last summer and was surprised how soft the wire was. You mileage may vary..... For sure keep a firm grip on the saw and all that.

[luap]

Like everyone has said a sawzall. Concrete hotsaw could be rented from a rental store and would work.

I have seen this done and it made a lot of dirty smoke. 

[Danausplexippus]

Thank you for the responses.I'll use something other than my chain saw.

[Ohio Dave]

Grinder with a cutting disk is my go to for tires,  but I have used a sawzall.

[sawguy21]

I used a cutoff saw, hated that job. ;D

[Haleiwa]

I've cut some up.  Simplest method I have found is an angle grinder through the bead and a box cutter with a new blade through the rest.   The key is keeping tension on the tire so that it pulls apart as it is cut.  Use a come along or winch  and keep it tight.   It's kind of like skinning a deer; the pulling is as important as the cutting. A lot of times it's easier to cut from the inside out.