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4th Feb 2020
OTR tires are meant to survive some of the harshest conditions in outdoor environments which they manage perfectly in most cases. However, their wear and tear can be accelerated due to several incidences of mishandling. In today's article, we look at some of the mistakes you should avoid to keep them in good shape.
Mistake 1: Improperly Matched Dual Tires
When working with Dual OTR Tires always ensure that their diameters match. If that is not the case, one tire will be larger than the other and it will end up being overloaded as it bears the weight of the loaded truck. Such a scenario will lead to overheating of the tires causing lasting damages in the long run.
In the case of rougher terrain, the tire with a smaller diameter will scrap over boulders which will make them wear out very fast.
Quick fix measures like deflating or inflating the mismatched tires to level them up should be avoided as they are equally damaging.
Mistake 2: Single Tire On A Dual Assembly
The dual assembly arrangement usually spreads the weight of a loaded truck over the two tires.
Therefore a single OTR tire on a dual assembly will naturally be overloaded and this will make the tires overheat during operations.
The rims also get damaged by cracking as the amount of weight exerted on them exceeds their capacity.
Mistake 3: Improper Handling Of The Tires
Since OTR Tires are very heavy and bulky the best way of transporting them is either through the use of cranes or forklifts.
While using forklifts you should lay them vertically across the forks or use a six-inch round fork. Always avoid inserting the forks in the beads of the tire.
Similarly, avoid hooking the beads while transporting the tires using cranes.
Mistake 4: Over-inflation or Under-inflation
An OTR Tire that is properly inflated offers the best efficiency during intense operations. When the tires are under-inflated they overheat which will make them crack eventually.
The tires are also more exposed to cuts and cracks in the liner.
Over-inflation, on the other hand, exposes the chords to shocks that will make them break. It also accelerates the wear and tear of the tires at the center line which becomes more pronounced.
Mistake 5: Using The Wrong Type of Rims
If you want your tires to function properly you need to ensure that they are fitted on the right rims.
When the rims are too large the beads will not seat properly on the rims exposing the tubes to raptures while smaller rims will lead to damage of the beads.
For OTR tires you have the option of working with flat base rims, semi-drop center rims, drop center rims and full tapered bead seat rims which are applicable for use with different trucks.
Article Summary Points;
Always ensure your dual tires are properly matched when it comes to their diameters.
Avoid using a single tire on a dual assembly as it will get damaged by overloading.
Ensure the tires are properly handled during transportation using a forklift or crane.
Inspect the tires beforehand for any over-inflation or under-inflation.
Pick the right rim for your truck and ensure its properly matched to the OTR tires.
Forklift Tire Company is one of the largest suppliers of OTR tires in the USA. We are happy to help you find the right tires for your truck. Visit our online store here for great discounts or email us at sales@forklifttire.com, our customer service team is always ready to assist you.