Overlooked areas of tire maintenance

By |  January 27, 2019

Tire pressure as a top challenge

Continental’s Shawn Rasey details the consequences of neglecting this key area

According to Titan International’s Johni Francis, there’s about a 15 percent difference between hot and cold psis. If a machine has been running and the Psi is at the manufacturer’s recommended level, then the tire is likely underinflated by about 15 percent. Photo: Titan International

According to Titan International’s Johni Francis, there’s about a 15 percent difference between hot and cold psis. If a machine has been running and the Psi is at the manufacturer’s recommended level, then the tire is likely underinflated by about 15 percent. Photo: Titan International

The number one challenge for improving operations for most aggregate producers is maintaining proper tire air pressures in their fleets.

There can be many reasons why air pressures can vary, ranging from ongoing outside ambient temperature fluctuations, ill-fitting wheel hardware, problems with rim sealing due to o-rings, and tire or valve hardware damage. The bottom line is that maintaining proper air pressure promotes greater jobsite safety, improved productivity, greater driver comfort and control, and optimized tire wear.

With the advent of new technology solutions, including but not limited to tire pressure-monitoring systems (TPMS), the options to manage this problem are plentiful. There are multiple aftermarket options available to help fill this gap. A TPMS is a smart, easy way to leverage technology in a practical and meaningful way that will support multiple objectives at the customer’s jobsite, dropping more profit to your bottom line.

Shawn Rasey is Continental’s director of global business development – earthmover tires.


Misconceptions about proper inflation pressures

Considerations operators should make, courtesy of Titan International’s Johni Francis

Maintaining proper tire inflation pressure is the most important thing aggregate producers can do to extend tire life. Most producers are very good about this, but there are some common misconceptions I often see.

First, you should know that the same size of tire used on the same equipment might have different manufacturer-recommended inflation pressures from brand to brand, so always consult the manufacturer’s recommendation when switching brands.

Second, it’s important to consider that the manufacturer’s recommended pressure is generally based on a cold psi (pounds per square inch). There is roughly a 15 percent difference in hot and cold psis, so if a machine has been running, and the psi is at the manufacturer’s recommended level, then chances are you’re roughly 15 percent underinflated.

I’d recommend adding 15 percent more pressure until the machine has a chance to sit, and you can check the cold psi and reset to the manufacturer’s suggested psi.

Rotation schedules are also important to extend tire life, yet are not always followed by aggregate producers. It’s important to consult your tire dealer for specific recommendations based on machine type, but in general, it’s important to rotate tires side to side and front to rear as needed.

A daily walk-around is another key element to extending tire life. A quick inspection for any punctures prior to each work shift can mean the difference between a quick repair and a total replacement.

Johni Francis is global OTR product manager at Titan International.


Programs, training critical to maximize tire life

Tim Phillips of Double Coin offers his two cents on maintenance

Some producers may overlook the simple process of adopting a good maintenance program while other operators take a close look at their total operation, focusing on their tire expenses and ultimately reducing unnecessary downtime.
Successful operators will put in place best practices by implementing a maintenance program, embracing help from their tire vendors and receiving training on the performance features, as well as the limitations of the tires they purchase.

Knowing the operating conditions of the site is also an important part in selecting the right tire for the job. Choosing the right tire for optimum performance is key.

Regular monitoring of inflation pressures is commonly overlooked, yet it is one of the most critical parts of a good maintenance program. Do you rotate your tires to extend the tread life? Do you regularly inspect your tires? Do you pull tires if repairs are needed? All these steps are key for a good maintenance program.

Tim Phillips is vice president of marketing and operations at CMA/Double Coin.


Technology changing the maintenance game

Daily monitoring is essential, says Bridgestone’s Rob Seibert

Proactive tire maintenance is key for aggregate fleets to keep operations running smoothly. By monitoring tires as part of the day-to-day processes, equipment operators can better predict potential issues that can lead to downtime.

Manual inspections will always be valuable, but one way fleets can enhance their tire maintenance program is by integrating technologies that are data driven. Tire pressure monitoring systems are an example of how technology is improving a formerly time-intensive process with real-time analytics to make inspections faster, easier and more accurate. Some systems provide instantaneous tire pressure and temperature data, as well as wireless, in-cab systems updates.

Rob Seibert is executive director of OTR sales at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.


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