Proper heavy equipment tires maintenance will ensure your tires stay in good condition. Regular inspections ensure you do not have a bad tire on any equipment. Bad tires cause work delays until the loader has a spare installed. To keep your workplace running smoothly, take care of all the wheels of your equipment to keep your fleet running.
1. KEEP THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT TIRES CLEAN
Clean the tires as much as possible after every shift. Road salt, mud, and other substances can contribute to faster tire wear. Using soap and water to remove potentially wearing products will help you keep your tires last longer. Quick tire washing will also help in checking the tires. If the operator does not see the tires, they do not see any problems such as punctures, holes, bubbles, and cracks. A layer of mud or dirt on the tire’s surface can hide it until the tire starts to fail due to invisible damage.
2. VERIFY THE TIRE ALIGNMENT
Check the wheels for proper alignment. A crash can cause the steering wheel to fall out, which will affect the wheels’ direction. Improper adjustment causes uneven tire wear. Check the wheel alignment and uneven wear during regular service, indicating bent steering wheel parts.
3. MAINTAIN CORRECT AIR PRESSURE
Maintaining the correct air pressure can help extend the life of your tires, but it should also be an essential part of their regular service and maintenance. Please do not add or remove air from tires not attached to the machine unless they are in safety cages. Do not stand behind the wheels while inflating. Stay away to avoid injury. Perform air pressure checks on all pneumatic tires daily. For less commonly used tires, check the air pressure once a week.
4. USE THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT TIRES MAINTENANCE
When selecting wheels for construction, choose wheels designed for equipment and use. Different treads are great for different terrains, and different tire sizes are suitable for specific loaders. For example, there are options for stone treads designed to work on hard surfaces. Smooth treads are not easy to wear but provide little traction. The rib patterns provide some terrain freedom but the necessary traction on the road surface.
Your choice between pneumatic and solid tires depends on the terrain and use. Pneumatic wheels offer a firm tread and a comfortable ride but are easier to wear and require constant air control. Strong wheels have a smooth surface that lasts longer than pneumatic wheels, but they do not provide much traction and make driving uncomfortable.
Alternatives such as Cat FlexportTM tires can combine both types. They offer 58% more tread depth and a puncture-resistant design, making them useful in various terrains. The Flexport wheel loader and skid steer wheels offer the best of both worlds.
5. INSPECT TIRES AND RIMS DAILY
Daily maintenance should include checking the wheels and rims. When inspecting the interior, look for debris and signs of damage. Look at the following issues:
- Stone drilling
- Cracks
- Cuts
- Uneven wear
- Bubbles
- Bumps
- Sealing valve caps in place
- Missing bolts
- Cracked studs
- Bent rim
If you experience these problems with the tire, replace the tire and rim before returning the machine to the work area. Continued use of the tire with any surface defect may result in loss of efficiency or significant damage to the workplace.
Source: Macallister