Key Things to Consider When Choosing Earthmoving Tyres for Your Heavy-Duty Equipment
Do you work in the quarrying or mining industry? Perhaps you operate heavy-duty equipment such as tractors, articulated dump trucks, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, wheeled excavators and any other heavy-duty equipment or machinery that involves earthmoving. The effectiveness of your earthmoving equipment depends on a range of elements such as the tyres that aid their movement. Over time, the tyres of your earthmoving equipment may wear down or become damaged and call for a replacement. When selecting earthmoving tyres, it is imperative that you select the right ones in order for your equipment to work effectively. Therefore, here are a few key things to keep in mind during the selection.
Your Work Site Conditions and Needs
The first step to getting the right earthmoving tyres is to evaluate your needs as well as the conditions of your work site. Are distance, tread wear and traction at the top of your priority list? You may want to consider radial earthmoving tyres. These tyres will provide better control, particularly at higher speeds. Radial earthmoving tyres have steel cables and plies, both of which are rubber-coated. The steel plies are typically placed under the tyre treads to make it more resistant to cuts as well as punctures. If you operate your earthmoving equipment on finished surfaces, radial tyres are the ideal option.
When it comes to worksite conditions, radial tyres are best suited for icy, moist or muddy ground because their design minimises slippage. On the other hand, if you will be working on gravel, you should consider bias earthmoving tyres. The sidewalls of these tyres are thick, making them suitable for a range of other applications too such as in pit and quarry sites where sidewall cutting may be necessary.
The Working Capacity of Your Earthmoving Equipment
Every earthmoving or heavy-duty equipment has its working capacity, usually measured in tonne kilometres per hour. It is important that you know the working capacity of your equipment because it determines the type of rubber required. You must choose a tyre with the right type of rubber because different rubber types have different densities and thickness, which are made depending on the type of cushioning as well as traction needed for the heavy-duty equipment. You should find information regarding the working capacity of your equipment in your owner's manual. If you can't find yours, look for other essential information such as the make and model of your equipment. The earthmoving tyre supplier or retailer should be able to help you choose the right tyres with that information.