Cost-centric tire adjustments

By |  February 15, 2019
Programs are available that can take tire performance data and upload it to a cloud-based platform for password protected storage and easy access. Quarries can then download captured tire data into easy-to-read, customizable reports that show tire performance. Photo: Goodyear

Programs are available that can take tire performance data and upload it to a cloud-based platform for password protected storage and easy access. Quarries can then download captured tire data into easy-to-read, customizable reports that show tire performance. Photo: Goodyear

The importance of tires to the successful operation of trucks and other vehicles used in quarries cannot be understated.

Because of their “mission-critical” nature – and because tires represent such a substantial investment – it pays to do everything within your power to optimize their performance. This includes tire maintenance.

Here are some often-overlooked aspects of tire maintenance that, if addressed correctly, can help boost the efficiency of equipment while lowering operating costs.

1. Inflation. Maintaining proper inflation levels is one of the most effective tire maintenance practices you can employ. Consistent and correct inflation positively impacts tire wear and casing life, and it can also help reduce the amount of fuel your vehicles use.

Inflation checks should be part of every pre-shift vehicle inspection. If this isn’t feasible, check your inflation pressure at least once a day.

Be aware of both over-inflation and under-inflation. Over-inflation can lead to uneven wear and makes tires more susceptible to ruptures when rolling over tough terrain. Under-inflation causes tires to flex more, resulting in internal heat buildup. If you’re not checking tire inflation levels on a regular basis, start doing so today.

2. Fleet surveys. Check your tires before every shift – not just for inflation issues, but for depth of tread and cuts and nicks that have the potential to grow into larger fissures over time.

Also, check for mismatched tires. Fleet surveys will help you identify and correct these often-overlooked issues before they turn into expensive problems down the line. The benefits of a good fleet survey certainly more than make up for the time and energy required to conduct one.

3. Site audits. Whether performed in-house or by a representative from your tire supplier, construction site audits can be another valuable tool. Take a careful look at your site, as well as the roads leading into and out of it.

Are these areas free of rocks and other debris that can cut into tires? How are they manicured? How many curves are your vehicles required to navigate, and how steep are surface inclines and declines? Remember, hard turns are hard on tires. Keep grades to 8 percent or less, whether up or down.

Water management is important, as well. Has your site been designed in such a way that water easily drains away from it? Is there standing water in the form of murky puddles? Is there water on incoming and outgoing roads?

It’s often difficult to know what tire-damaging items are silently lurking beneath a puddle’s surface. Eliminate this risk by maintaining dry ground.

4. Vehicle positioning. When backing a truck up to a rock pile, keep a close eye on the positioning of its rear axle versus the pile’s front edge, and make sure the front edge is clear of debris. Angle and spacing are crucial. Keep the front edge clear. This will help prevent tire cutting, impact damage and other problems.

5. Tire performance tracking. Having the ability to track tire service hours will help you know when you need to buy replacement tires. This, in turn, will help you to budget accordingly and identify overlooked maintenance opportunities.


Eric Matson is the global field engineering manager for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s OTR tire business.


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