Off-the-Road Tires

Every application and tire call for specific air pressure. Always check the sidewall of your tires to get the most accurate information. Inflation pressure should be checked daily prior to operation, at the start of each working shift.

Cold inflation checks are the best and most accurate. A cold tire is generally defined as one that has been sitting idle and not used for a minimum of 24 hours. From this point, the pressure can be monitored more accurately. Hot inflation checks, in most cases, are the norm since many operations are 24/7. Therefore, knowing the cold inflation pressure of the tire will help track the rise in pressure in a working tire. This will then help to set the correct standards for warm inflation checks.

Record the tire pressure readings and reference the records to keep track. This will be helpful if you notice that one tire loses pressure quicker than others. In this case, dismount and inspect the tire immediately.

Always check if your pressure gauge is accurate and use a master pressure gauge. Your master gauge should be calibrated by the manufacturer when needed.

Remember that overinflation could result in:

1. reduced shock absorption, harder ride, and excessive wear and tear on equipment parts
2. rapid center wear on the tire
3. increased tension, resulting in cut and impact damage
4. increased chance of tire skidding and spinning
5. potential bead damage

Similarly, underinflation could result in:

1. potential radial cracks in the sidewall, cord fatigue, and cord breakage
2. uneven wear on the tire
3. potential heat damage and separation
4. potential air leakage in tubeless tires

We have created a quick air pressure guide article with a suggested inflation pressure chart, for your reference.

The handling of earthmover and large haulage tires requires proper handling when transporting and moving them. Improper handling can potentially damage tires from the weight of the load and misuse of tools and equipment. The majority of the time, special equipment is required to handle these tires.

Type of equipment to handle earthmover and haulage tires:

• Forklift
• Mechanical loader
• Crane with textile straps

Key areas of the tire to protect:

• Bead area: center circle where the wheel sits. Damage in this area leads to shorter tire life
• Sidewall area: can be pierced or cut easily if mishandled
• Inner chamber area: can be pierced or cut easily if mishandled

We have created a guide and shortcut on how to handle and move earthmover and haulage tires properly, for your reference.

Keep in mind that off-the-road tires are created for heavy-duty use, which means traveling at excessive speed can increase the internal temperature of the tire, leading to tire damage. Check each vehicle’s maximum speed and your workday average speed (from a total driving distance and total operating hours).

While MAXAM works with operations to select the best tire based on their needs, it’s also important for operations to understand the general idea of finding the right tire. When it comes to selecting a tire, consider the following:

1. Type of machine (make, model, maximum load capacity, speed, horsepower, tire size, star/ply rating)
2. Operating condition: climate, temperature, road condition, operating speed, load, and TKPH/TMPH

If your operation is in a region where climate changes drastically, such as extreme temperature change and rainfall, it makes tire selection trickier. Similarly, if tires are exposed to heat and cutting, it also makes the selection tougher.

Contact your local MAXAM rep to best select tires specifically for your site condition and equipment.

It’s vital for operations to inspect their OTR tires daily to maximize tire life and productivity. When inspecting tires daily, be sure to check the following:

• External appearance of the tire
• Rims and valves
• Inflation pressure

MAXAM offers a guide on identifying some common OTR tire damages, if you still need further assistance on damaged tires, please contact your local MAXAM rep.