In the forestry industry, downtime directly impacts productivity and profit. A single tire failure can stall operations, cost thousands in repairs, and jeopardize crew safety. At MAXAM, we understand how you maintain and monitor your tires is critical for day-to-day operations. Below, we jump into a detailed guide on the four crucial checks every operator should perform before starting a shift, ensuring your skidder tires deliver maximum uptime and performance.
1. Air Pressure: Avoid Deflating Your Day-To-Day
Tire pressure is the lifeline of your skidder’s efficiency and safety. Over time, tires naturally lose air, but rugged forestry terrain accelerates this process. A drop of just 5 PSI reduces load capacity by 10%, while a 10% underinflation can shorten tire life by at least 10%. Underinflated tires generate excessive heat through sidewall flexing, which weakens steel belts and rubber layers. Conversely, overinflated tires become rigid, increasing vulnerability to impact damage from rocks or debris.
To avoid these risks:
Check pressure daily using a rugged analog gauge (avoid unreliable smartphone apps).
Always measure when tires are cold (idle for 24 hours) for accuracy.
Follow MAXAM’s recommended specs, such as 45 PSI for LOGXTRA tires, and log readings to spot trends like slow leaks.
MAXAM Pro Tip: Pair pressure checks with refueling stops to make it a seamless part of your routine.
2. Visual Inspection: Spot Trouble Before It Escalates
A two-minute visual inspection can prevent hours of downtime. Start by scanning the treads, sidewalls, and beads under bright light. Look for cuts, gashes, or embedded debris like rocks or nails. These may seem minor but can expose steel belts or puncture casings if ignored. Deeper cuts reaching the tire’s plies require immediate repair to avoid catastrophic failure.
For example, operators can avoid a mid-shift blowout by checking the sidewall for damage. A quick repair kept their operation running, saving days of downtime. Train your crew to report any damage, no matter how small, and prioritize repairs to extend tire life.
3. Sidewalls and Tread Depth: Guard Against Hidden Threats
Sidewalls face constant abuse from stumps, rocks, and uneven terrain. Look for:
Cracks: Often caused by UV exposure or dry rot.
Bulges: Indicate internal separation, a precursor to blowouts.
Deep abrasions: These can compromise the tire’s structural integrity.
Tread depth is equally critical. Worn treads reduce traction, forcing equipment to work harder and burn more fuel. Measure depth monthly with a gauge, and replace tires when treads reach 10/32nds (or per MAXAM guidelines).
MAXAM Pro Tip: Rotate tires periodically to distribute wear evenly and maximize lifespan.
4. Valve Caps and Lug Nuts: Small Parts, Big Impact
Valve caps are your first defense against air loss. Check for cracks, corrosion, or leaks by spraying soapy water on the valve stem—bubbles signal trouble. Replace damaged caps immediately to maintain a secure seal.
Lug nuts/bolts are equally vital. Loose hardware can lead to wheel separation, a deadly hazard. Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten lugs to the manufacturer’s specifications and recheck them after the first 50 hours of operation. Even minor vibration can loosen even properly tightened nuts.
Turn The Forest into Your Playground with MAXAM Tire
MAXAM tires, like the LOGXTRA series, are engineered with features that align with these pre-shift checks to meet the most demanding jobs. All our forestry tires feature heavy-duty sidewalls, an extra-wide footprint, and superb flotation. When you equip your feller bunchers and skidders with MAXAM tire, this is what you’re getting:
Cut-resistant sidewalls to combat rock and stump damage.
Heat-dissipating treads that reduce internal temperatures by 25% versus competitors.
Reinforced beads to prevent rim slip in muddy conditions.
Give your forestry fleet the best performance it deserves with MAXAM Tire. With this helpful pre-shift guide you’re ensuring that you get the job done each day without a hitch. If you take care of your tires, they’ll take care of you.
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