Tips for Maintaining Wheel Loader Tires
How well your wheel loaders perform depends in large part on their tires. Wheel loader tires are what give your machine the traction, stability, and movement required to load, transport, and dump material where it needs to be. By following a few simple maintenance best practices, you can extend the life of your wheel loader tires and ensure they help your machine operate at its best.
Pressure is key
When the pressure in your wheel loader tires is too low or too high, you’ll run into issues. Low pressure hinders your ability to maneuver efficiently and causes you to use more fuel. High pressure increases the chances of a flat tire. Both low and high pressure can lead to uneven, abnormal, or accelerated wear and tear. We suggest that you keep a reliable tire gauge on hand to check their pressure once a day. If it’s not in the range outlined by the manufacturer, then add or release air as needed.
Check wheel loader tires prior to working
Before each shift, we recommend inspecting the tires for any visual signs of damage or abnormal wear. If you see uneven wear, you need to rotate your wheel loader tires as soon as possible. By rotating them regularly, you’ll extend their lifespan. You should also be on the lookout for cracks, bumps, bubbles, or any debris that might be stuck in the rubber.
Regularly clean your tires
Dirt and mud can cover your tires, making it difficult to visually inspect them. We suggest that you hose them down to clean them after each shift, so it’s easier for your operators to see if there is any damage or anything out of the ordinary.
Look for debris in the work area
Construction sites and other places where wheel loaders typically operate are full of objects that can potentially puncture or damage your tires. It’s important for operators to be aware of dangerous objects on the jobsite, drive carefully, and avoid areas that are littered with excessive debris. The last thing you want is a flat tire on the job that brings your wheel loaders to a stop and leads to costly downtime.
Store your wheel loaders properly
Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause wheel loader tires to expand and crack. It’s crucial to keep tires in a cool, dry place and to park your machines out of the sunlight when they are not in use for extended periods of time.
Focus on operator training
Operators should minimize tire spinning, watch out for obstacles, avoid sharp turning, and try to take the shortest route possible when loading and transporting material. Spinning, abrasion, hard turns, and long distances can all increase wear and tear on your wheel loader tires. We also recommend not driving too fast, as slower speeds allow more time to see and avoid dangerous debris.
If you have any questions about wheel loader tires or maintaining your wheel loaders in general, contact our team today!