The loader, a piece of essential earthmoving construction machinery, is widely employed in various projects, including highway and railway construction, building development, hydroelectric plants, ports, and mining operations. It is primarily utilized for loading materials such as soil, sand, lime, and coal, and for carrying out light excavation tasks on ores and hard soils. Due to its high operating speed, efficiency, mobility, and user-friendly operation, the loader has become a crucial component in the realm of engineering construction.
Loader tires are integral to the machine’s walking system and significantly influence the vehicle’s performance. The loader’s traction, braking, and economic performance are all closely tied to the tire’s capabilities. However, tires are also susceptible to damage and are costly, accounting for 6% to 16% of the loader’s overall cost. Consequently, the appropriate selection and usage of tires can maximize their service life and minimize operational expenses.
Various loader tire tread patterns
- Traction pattern (L-2): Ideal for operation in soft and muddy terrain, this pattern provides maximum traction and boasts excellent self-cleaning properties.
- Block pattern (L-3): Suitable for a wide range of conditions, this pattern offers moderate wear resistance and anti-cutting performance.
- Deep block pattern (L-4): Designed for more severe operating conditions, this pattern provides superior wear resistance and anti-cutting performance, ultimately extending the tire’s service life.
- Super deep block pattern (L-5): Optimal for extreme conditions such as rocky terrain, this pattern delivers excellent cutting and puncture resistance, along with remarkable stability and traction performance.
Loader solid tires: These tires are gaining popularity among loaders, particularly in harsh environments like steel plants and glass factories, due to their puncture resistance, elimination of puncture repairs, and anti-cutting features. This effectively reduces the high maintenance costs associated with tire punctures.
Best practices for using, maintaining, and repairing loader tires
- When using inflated tires in rocky work areas, consider employing special tire protection chains to minimize damage caused by rocks and other materials. Solid tires should not surpass the specified speed limit.
- Ensure that coaxial tires exhibit roughly consistent wear levels.
- Before loading materials, tire-inflated loader operators should position the bucket close to the ground, clear any debris from the operating area, and verify that no exposed steel bars or foreign objects protrude from the ground to prevent tire punctures, especially in old building demolition sites.
- If exposed wire layers are visible on any part of the tire, replace the outer tire promptly.
- When replacing or repairing a tire, ensure proper installation to avoid folding or clipping inner tubes. If a loader tire blows out, replace it on-site, as even short distances can result in the inner tire’s scrapping, causing damage to the outer tire and reducing its lifespan.
- Storage: Avoid maintaining an excessive inventory of loader tires. Due to their rubber composition, tires are prone to oxidation and have a reduced service life with prolonged storage periods. Over time, oxidation levels increase, resulting in a gray appearance on the tire’s outer surface. Store tires in a dark, dry environment, as high temperatures can also expedite tire aging.
The proper selection, use, and maintenance of loader tires play a crucial role in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of earthmoving construction machinery. Understanding the various tread patterns and their suitable conditions can help optimize the loader’s performance while reducing potential damage and wear. Following best practices for using, maintaining, and repairing loader tires, along with proper storage conditions, can significantly extend the service life of tires and ultimately reduce overall operational expenses. By taking these factors into consideration, operators can ensure that their loader tires remain in optimal condition for the long haul, contributing to the success and profitability of engineering construction projects.
