Tire Performance Problems On Off Highway Trucks Can Be Prevented

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Tire Performance Problems On Off Highway Trucks Can Be Prevented

CONFIDENTIAL TIBU2732-00

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN	July 20, 2005
Off Highway Trucks	All
SMCS	4203

SUBJECT: Tire Performance Problems On Off Highway Trucks Can Be Prevented.

PROBLEM:

The tires on machines can experience related tire performance problems including tire indexing, tread damage, sidewall damage, inner liner damage, and bead damage.

SOLUTION:

Tire selection, tire inflation pressures, and tire maintenance are the most important factors in preventing tire performance problems. Machines have the capability to outperform the tires. Unless proper practices are observed, very costly, premature tire failures can occur. To achieve optimum tire life and tire supplier support, Caterpillar recommends that the tire selection, the inflation pressures, and the maintenance recommendations should be a joint decision between the machine owners and the tire supplier.

NOTE: The Caterpillar Performance Handbook provides general information concerning tire options, tire ratings, and inflation pressures. The information in the Handbook should only be used as a guide because there are many variables that are specific to equipment and jobs. Always consult with the tire supplier for specific information.

TIRE SELECTION

The customer should always consult with their tire supplier in order to select the best tire for the application. Several tire manufacturers have technical representatives and application representatives for proper guidance in tire selection.

The tire supplier will need a full understanding of the application, the machine operating weight, the average speeds, the maximum payload, and the weight distribution on the tires in order to help with tire selection.

TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES

NOTE: The tire inflation pressure for machines that are shipped from the factory is suitable for shipping only. Always obtain the proper tire inflation pressures for your machine from the tire supplier before placing the machine into operation.

The customer should always consult with their tire supplier in order to acquire the best inflation pressures. Selecting the correct tire inflation pressure is critical in order to achieve optimum tire life, to reduce tire indexing, and to reduce tire damage.

When working with the tire supplier, several factors need to be considered in determining inflation pressures. These include application, underfoot conditions, maximum tire load, and ambient temperatures. For example, maximum loads or freezing ambient temperatures may require increased tire inflation pressures.

TIRE MAINTENANCE

The customer should always consult with their tire supplier to acquire maintenance recommendations. Maintaining the correct tire inflation pressure as well as performing other maintenance recommendations provided by the tire supplier is critical to achieve optimum tire life and optimum tire supplier support.

All tires should be operated at the tire supplier?s recommended inflation pressure for a given application. Inflation pressure should be checked every working day with an accurate gauge. The gauge should be checked against a known standard at least once a month.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The customer is responsible to notify their tire supplier of any changes in the application so the supplier can make any needed adjustments to the inflation pressure or to the maintenance recommendations.

To achieve optimum tire life the customer must maintain acceptable tire size between all four tires. Doing so reduces tire scuffing and improves lower power train component life. Please refer to Service Magazine, SEPD0766, January 10, 2005, "Match tire size in dual tire configuration for increased service life."

Always use dry nitrogen to inflate tires and to maintain tire inflation pressures on Caterpillar equipment. For a list of the advantages when using dry nitrogen as well as other important tire and rim service information, please refer to Technical Information Bulletin, TIBU3196, October 10, 2001, "Use Dry Nitrogen To Inflate Tires On Caterpillar Products".

Caterpillar recommends 139-2398 Tire Mounting Lubricant when demounting or mounting a tire to the rim. The lubricant helps to protect the tire from tool damage while aiding in the demounting or mounting to the rim. The lubricant contains rust inhibitors to help prevent rusting of the rim. The lubricant ensures a better, more durable seal between the tire and rim and helps to reduce tire indexing.