Learn New Things and Change Your View: Heavy Construction Equipment

Factors to Consider When Selecting Earthmoving Tyres

by Nisanur Kronenberg

If you or your company needs tyres for heavy-duty vehicles like a tractor, seed spreader, bulldozer, excavator or plough, you have to make the right choice. The effectiveness of the equipment is determined by numerous elements, like the tyres that help in their movement.

Do you know that the process involved in choosing earthmoving tyres completely differs from that of selecting car tyres? Tyres for earthmoving equipment are specially designed to support the weight of the vehicle without damaging the earth under them. Because earthmoving tyres are as essential as the vehicle they support, below are some tips you should keep in mind when choosing them.

Earthmoving equipment working capacity

Each earthmoving vehicle has its work capacity. Before you shop, ensure you know the equipment's working capacity since it plays a significant role in determining the kind of rubber that's needed. It's crucial to pick tyres with the right kind of rubber — various types of rubber have different thickness and densities made to match the traction and cushioning needs of a specific heavy-duty vehicle.

In most cases, the working capacity information is usually indicated on the owner's manual. In case you have lost the manual, consider knowing the make and model of the equipment. With this information, the tyre retailer or supplier will help you select the most suitable tyre.

Worksite conditions and requirements

Another essential factor is evaluating the conditions of the worksite as well as your requirements. If factors like traction, distance and tread wear are a priority, go for radial earthmoving tyres. This type of tyre offers better control, especially at high speeds since they contain rubber-coated steel cables and piles. Steel piles are installed under tyre treads making the tyre more resistant to punctures and cuts. Radial tyres are a suitable option for a finished surface.

When it comes to the conditions of the site, radial tyres are ideal for moist, muddy or icy surfaces since they are designed to reduce slippage. If you are working on gravel, however, bias tyres will be perfect. Their sidewalls are thick, a feature that makes the tyres suitable for quarries and pit sites

Tyre width

The tyre width is determined by the vehicle size and landscape of the property. Tall earthmoving equipment may require wider tyres for stability and levelling. If the vehicle will be driven across inclines, wider tyres will also come in handy since they aid in the dispersal of the vehicle weight, minimising tipping risks. Wide tyres also offer more traction and prevent the vehicle from sliding.

Consider what tyres the earthmoving equipment you or a contractor will use on your property. 

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