Wheel Loader Tires Are Not Created Equal
Matching the tire to the application and proper maintenance can help save money down the road
Obtaining optimal performance from your wheel loader has a lot to do with selecting the right tires for the application at hand, and taking the necessary steps to maintain that investment.
Purchasing a set of tires for a wheel loader is a significant investment and requires research to make sure you match the right tires and tread pattern to your application. The first decision is to determine if a bias or radial tire is the right choice.
“Bias tires are ideal in applications where the potential for rock type damage (cutting) to the tire exists,” says Cara Junkins with Titan Tire Corporation. “Wheel loaders used a quarry pit application typically use a bias tire since the bias is more repairable and the distances traveled are normally short.”
Radial tires are ideal for applications where traction, tread wear and/or distance are factors. Wheel loaders used in a yard loader application typically use radial tires for their longer wear characteristics and the cutting to the tire is not as great. Yard loaders spend more time moving from pile to pile and require a tire that provides traction to dig into a pile. It really depends on the type of application and in which the tires are being operated.
Once you’ve determined if a bias or radial tire is best for your application, the next step is selecting the tread pattern or design. In a yard loader application a L2 or L3 tread design is recommended. An L2 tire offers maximum traction and cleaning ability in sand and soft soil conditions, while an L3 offers good rock resistance in general purpose loader applications.
In quarry pit applications an L5S or L5 tread design is ideal as they offer a deeper tread depth providing more resistance to rock cuts and a longer tread life. L-4 and L4S tires can be used in this application where longer distances are traveled.
Tire wear – it’s in your hands
Wheel loader tire life depends on the application. A tire used in a quarry may have a shorter life span than one used in sandy soil conditions.
“It depends on what material they’re running on,” says Junkins. “Whether the loader is being used in shot rock or in sandy ground conditions play a major role in tire life. However, the operator has a significant role on tire life as well.”
If the operator routinely spins the wheels of the loader while going into a pile, it will lead to spin cuts that can cause the tire to wear more quickly. Junkins also points out that the front tires will wear faster as they take the majority of the wear in a loader application.
“Air pressure is the most important component to tire longevity,” says Junkins. “Check tire air pressure at least weekly if not daily. If necessary, adjust the pressure to the manufacture’s recommended cold inflation. This simple 10-minute step will help maximize tire life. At the same time you are checking the air pressures, inspect the tires for any cuts or tire damage, and immediately pull those tires that need repair. Deep tire cuts left unrepaired can work their way down into the casing of the tire and eventually render the tire beyond repair.”
No matter the situation, take the time you need to research the options. Selecting new tires can get confusing at times, and that’s where a quality independent tire dealer can help walk you through the options and make recommendations based on your needs.
