2020 Best Practices for OTR Tire Maintenance

When it comes to off-the-road (OTR) tires, fleet managers need to make sure they get the most out of their investment. That means implementing a maintenance plan to ensure earthmover tires stay in good working condition for the long-term. Get the most out of your OTR tires in 2020 by following the guidelines below.

The Keys to Effective Earthmover Tire Maintenance

Like all truck tires, earthmover tires require routine maintenance in order to catch repair needs early and keep drivers and vehicles safe during operation. Fleet managers should require their staff to conduct routine inspections to ensure their OTR tires meet the standards of safety and reliability required for their specific applications. The following characteristics should be routinely inspected to ensure top working condition across all your earthmover tires:

• Rotation: Tires need to be rotated to prevent uneven wear and tear and extend their lifespan. Rotation schedules will vary depending on your site-specific conditions, and fleet managers can consult with their preventative maintenance providers to get the best recommendation for their specific rotation schedule.
• Air Pressure: Failure to maintain proper air pressure can reduce your OTR tires’ lifespan by 5% or more, resulting in premature blowout and unnecessary downtime.
• Matching Duals: Making sure your duals match is essential for ensuring your OTR tires do not experience uneven wear and tear. Mismatched duals can result in slipping, scrubbing, and overheating in the tire, and can even stress your equipment’s mechanical systems.
• Making Repairs at the Worksite: Delaying needed repairs can lead to additional damage. STTC offers onsite emergency earthmover tire service utilizing the high tensile strength Monaflex vulcanized repair system.

Another essential component to earthmover tire maintenance is highwall safety. Working near a highwall, bench, or overhang exposes fleets to many potential risks, including falling rock, dirt, and debris. It’s crucial for fleets to do their best to assess their work sites and mitigate associated risk factors.

OTR Tire Selection & Preventative Maintenance Programs

Many leading tire manufacturers produce high-quality OTR tires suitable for all your industry-specific applications. Each manufacturer offers specific information about your tires’ preferred rotation schedule, air pressure, and tread depth to help you create the right maintenance plan for your fleet. Earthmover tires are also eligible for retreading when approved through the initial inspection process, further strengthening the return on your investment.

The best way to ensure you adhere to the industry’s best practices for proper OTR tire care is by partnering with a preventative maintenance provider like STTC. Our team offers a comprehensive maintenance plan that is tailored to your specific needs to ensure you get the most out of your earthmover tires.

Partner with STTC for Your Earthmover Tire Service Needs

STTC has years of experience servicing earthmover tires for fleets in a variety of industries. Featuring OTR tire products from the world’s top manufacturers like Michelin, Goodyear, Yokohama, and Camso, STTC has the deep industry knowledge you need to build a personalized preventative maintenance plan to help you get the most out of your tire investment. Contact our team today to learn more about partnering with us on your preventative maintenance needs!