Controlling Loader Tyre Loading Quality and Driving Speed
To ensure the optimal performance and lifespan of loader tyres, it is essential to control the loading quality and driving speed during use. National tyre standards specify the maximum load that a tyre can carry at a given pressure and speed.
Manufacturers determine the recommended loader tyre pressure based on the national standard requirements, taking into account the rated load of the vehicle and the tyre load during normal operation. Therefore, the vehicle should be loaded according to the calibrated rated load. Overloading the vehicle by up to 15% is acceptable under normal circumstances. Overloading beyond this limit increases tyre deformation and significantly reduces tyre lifespan. If it is necessary to overload the tyre under special circumstances, the tyre’s cold air pressure should be appropriately increased, but this should not be sustained over long periods.
Most loaders use low-pressure wide-base bias tyres, with an allowable radial deformation of 3% to 4% of the tyre diameter. During actual operation, it is crucial to monitor the radial deformation of the tyre and ensure that it does not exceed this limit.
Driving speed also significantly affects the lifespan of the loader tyre. The speed and load have the same meaning in actual use, and speed is often more important in certain cases. To ensure optimal use, if the vehicle speed is higher than the tyre’s rated speed, the transport load should be reduced appropriately. Conversely, if the vehicle speed is lower than the tyre’s rated speed, the transport load can be increased accordingly.
During actual use, the loader tyre’s contact with the ground and the resulting friction causes the tyre carcass to vibrate, leading to circumferential and lateral deformation. As vehicle speed increases, these effects intensify, causing a sharp rise in tyre temperature and potentially leading to tyre burst. Therefore, it is essential to control the loading quality and driving speed of loader tyres to ensure their optimal performance and lifespan.
The loader tire blowout is often caused by various factors, including:
- Excessive tire pressure: When a loader is driven at high speeds, the tire temperature rises, causing the tire pressure to increase. Excess pressure, combined with the high pressure of the tire, can result in cracking or blowout if the tire is subjected to an impact.
- Low tire pressure: If a loader’s tire pressure is too low, the tires will be squeezed and deformed continuously at high speeds, leading to heat buildup and an increased risk of blowouts. Low tire pressure also leads to partial tire wall wear during turning, which is the tire’s weakest point and can result in blowouts.
- Tire leaks: Gradual air leakage, nails, and other issues can cause tire pressure to decrease, creating a risk of blowouts.
- Tire faults: Loader tires with bulges, serious sidewall scratches, worn-out patterns, severe partial wear, aging, corrosion, air bubbles, and other issues may be punctured. Faulty tires increase the risk of a flat tire.
- Poor road conditions: Uneven roads can cause tire wear, making it more likely to experience a blowout. Sharp objects on the road can also puncture loader tires, especially at high speeds.
A loader’s tire blowout can result from a range of factors. Proper maintenance, including regular tire inspections and adjustments, can help minimize these risks and ensure safe operation.
