A tire tread cutting apparatus includes a track having a first track end and a second track end downstream of the first track end, a tire hub downstream of the second track end and configured to receive a tire casing, and a tread dispenser upstream of the track and configured to dispense tire tread. The tread dispenser includes a drive roller configured to drive tire tread downstream toward the second track end. The tire tread has a first tread end. A cutting element is positioned downstream of the tread dispenser and upstream of the track and is configured for cutting the tire tread to define a second tread end. The second tread end is determined based on a measurement of the tire casing circumference, and at least the first tread end is adhered to the outer surface of the tire casing when the second tread end is cut.