Best Practices

Maintenance Tips for Wheel Loader Tires

The performance of your wheel loaders depends largely on their tires. They provide the stability and traction you need to operate effectively and move material where it needs to go. Implementing a few simple maintenance routines can significantly extend the life of your wheel loader tires and keep your machine operating at its best.

Always maintain the right pressure

If the pressure in your wheel loader tires is too low, then you won’t move as efficiently and you’ll end up wasting fuel. If the pressure is too high, then you increase the likelihood of a flat tire. Both situations will lead to abnormal, uneven, or accelerated wear and tear. We recommend keeping a reliable tire gauge on hand and checking the pressure once a day to make sure it’s within the range outlined by the manufacturer.

Inspect your wheel loader tires before each shift

Prior to starting work every day, we suggest visually checking your tires for any signs of damage or abnormal wear. If you notice uneven wear, it’s important rotate the tires as soon as possible, which will help extend their lifespan. You also want to look for bubbles, bumps, cracks, and anything that might be stuck in the rubber.

Clean the tires regularly

It’s important to hose down your tires periodically. Dirt, mud, and other debris can cover your wheel loader tires and make it impossible to visually inspect them. By cleaning them, you’ll be able to see if anything is out of the ordinary.

Watch out for debris on the jobsite

The typical places where wheel loaders operate are full of objects that can puncture or otherwise damage your tires. It’s crucial that operators drive carefully and avoid areas with excessive litter or other debris. A flat tire on the job can bring your operation to a halt and lead to expensive downtime.

Store properly

Too much exposure to sunlight can cause wheel loader tires to expand and crack. It’s important to store tires in a cool, dry place and to keep your wheel loaders out of the sunlight when they are not in use for extended periods of time.

Ensure adequate operator training

Operators should avoid tire spinning and obstacles, minimize sharp turning, and try to take the shortest route possible when moving material. Spinning, abrasion, hard turns, and excessive distances can all increase wear on your wheel loader tires. We also recommend not driving too fast, as slower speeds allow more time to see and avoid obstacles.

If you have any questions about wheel loader tires or how to maintain them, contact our team today!