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Off-the-road tires are a type of vehicle tires that are capable of carrying you over unpaved surfaces such as rocks, sand, gravel, dirt, etc. These tires are used in industrial vehicles that operate on job sites for mining, moving sand and gravel, or shifting rocks. As a result, they are often referred to as earthmover tires. Choosing the right type of off-the-road tires is very important.
This article serves as a beginner’s guide to the different types of tires for your industrial vehicles and how you can get the most out of your off-the-road tires. We will be discussing dump truck tires, skid steer tires, and bulldozer tires.
Let’s get started.
How Do OTR Tires Work?
OTR tires have special tread patterns that provide better traction, heat resistance, floatation, and reduced wear and tear. They utilize a deep tread that increases traction on an uneven surface. The groves between the tread blocks will also be wider. Additionally, these tires are designed to provide increased resistance to sharp objects that can cause a puncture. They have reinforced sidewalls and are made using a special rubber compound that makes them puncture-resistant.
Generally, the thicker the tire tread, the greater its resistance to punctures and wear and tear. Depending on the vehicle, you can choose between 3 types of tread thickness. These are regular, deep, and extra deep.
Bear in mind that most off-the-road tires have a shorter than usual tread life. These tires utilize a soft rubber compound that enhances their performance on different types of uneven surfaces. This can shorten their tread life.
What Are The Different Types of OTR Tires?
All industrial vehicles have different tire needs. These vary according to the piece of machinery into consideration and how you plan to use it. You can get in touch with tire experts at Commercial Tire Distributors to understand which tire type will be suitable for your industrial vehicle.
For now, here’s a brief overview of the different types of off-the-road tires.
Dump Truck Tires
As the name suggests, dump truck tires are installed in dump trucks. These vehicles tend to carry heavy loads at a high speed. They are required to travel for relatively long distances. As a result, you need to invest in tires that are highly resistant to heat and wear and tear. Depending on the job site, you can also purchase tires that are resistant to punctures.
Bulldozer Tires
These tires are used in bulldozers. Since a bulldozer can be used for dozing, leveling, and pushing motor scrapers, a dozer tire needs to offer high traction. They are also typically wide which can help them manage the weight of the machine.
You will have to consider the job requirements before choosing the right type of bulldozer tires.
Skid Steer Tires
Skid steer tires are among the most versatile tires available. They are popular in the construction industry and other similar job sites. For instance, these tires can be used for mining, landscaping, demolition, and handling of waste. They work well for all kinds of surfaces so whether you are dealing with smooth concrete or rough gravel, these tires will have your back.
Previously, pneumatic skid steer tires were more common. These tires are filled with air and they tend to more affordable. They are also capable of absorbing shock and can contribute to a much smoother ride on uneven surfaces. On the downside, they are vulnerable to faster wear and tear and are not as puncture-resistant as their solid counterparts.
Given these challenges, solid skid steer tires are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. These are highly resistant to punctures so you won’t have to worry about getting a flat tire while on a job site. Given how construction sites often carry high-risk items such as sharp rocks, this is a major consideration when investing in tires for skid steer vehicles.
These tires have a much longer life than pneumatic tires for skid steer vehicles. One of the biggest drawbacks of these types of tires are that they lack suspension. Thus, the operator may be in for a rough ride. We suggest using tires made of advanced rubber technology and special designs that prevent this problem.
Besides the above-mentioned categories, there are several other earthmover tires available that can be used in industrial vehicles such as scrapers, front-end loaders, towing tractors, straddle carriers, compactors, and motor graders.
Get in touch with one of our tire experts to learn about these types of tires.
Maintenance of Off-the-Road Tires
Off-the-road tires tend to be quite expensive. You need to have a good tire maintenance program in place to enhance their performance and get the most out of your investment. Some of the essential aspects of tire maintenance for earthmover tires include:
- Maintain optimal inflation pressure for your tires to ensure good traction and floatation. This can also enhance their load-bearing capacity. Under-inflation can lead to excessive heat generation and reduce cut resistance. On the other hand, over-inflation can lead to rapid wear and tear. It can also increase your chances of getting a flat.
- Avoid overloading the vehicle and never go beyond the maximum recommended load.
- Instruct the operator to travel at an average speed. Going too fast can lead to excessive production of heat and shorten tire life.
Conclusion
You need to know your way around OTR tires in order to select the right one for your industrial vehicle. Remember, failing to buy the right type of tires can compromise the operator’s safety on the job site. You need to consider things like their load-bearing capacity, the conditions they are required to operate in, and their maximum travel speed.
Are you looking for a tire shop that sells OTR tires in Portland, Oregon?
Commercial Tires Distributors has got your back. From bulldozer tires and dump truck tires to skid steer tires, we have it all. Give us a call at 503-298-5350 and find the right tire for your vehicle!
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