Agricultural tractor tire maintenance is crucial to extending service life and ensuring operational safety. Systematic maintenance requires six key areas: pressure management, load control, front wheel alignment, proper operation, cleaning, storage, and regular inspections. Key points are as follows:
1. Pressure Management
Standard Calibration: Adjust the pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations, with an error of less than 0.02 MPa. Typical agricultural tire pressures are between 0.20 and 0.25 MPa. Insufficient pressure can cause significant tire deformation and brittle carcass plies; excessive pressure can easily cause explosions.
Dynamic Adjustment: Allow for thermal expansion and contraction based on temperature fluctuations. Inflation pressure should be 2%-3% below the standard value in summer and 5% above the standard value in winter. Before operation weekly, inspect the valve core for leaks and the tread for nails or sharp stones.
2. Load Control
Rated Load Management: Use at 80%-90% of the maximum load. Overloading is prohibited. For example, a 6.00-16 tire has a maximum load of 550 kg. Overloading can shorten its life by approximately half. Weight Optimization: When operating under heavy loads, increase front and rear weight distribution and use four-wheel drive to improve adhesion and reduce drive wheel slip.
3. Front Wheel Alignment
Regular Adjustment: Check the kingpin inclination, caster, and front wheel camber. Abnormal toe-in values can lead to uneven tire wear. Steering knuckle wear should be repaired or replaced promptly.
Structural Maintenance: Regularly check the tightness of wheel nuts and bolts and bearing looseness. Correct any deformation of the front beam and axle shafts immediately.
4. Operating Standards
Smooth Driving: Slow down when starting, stopping, turning, braking, and descending hills. Avoid sudden acceleration, sharp turns, and hard braking. Avoid high-speed wheel spin when working in the field and maintain a moderate speed.
Road Selection: Avoid roads with potholes and sharp objects to minimize tire impact damage. Maintain the same tire pressure and tire age. Swap tires if unevenly worn.
5. Cleaning and Storage
Daily Cleaning: Remove dirt, oil, and corrosive substances from the tire surface to prevent accelerated aging. Proper Storage: When parking for long periods, prop up the vehicle to prevent partial deformation of the tires. Store in a dry garage away from chemicals, direct sunlight, and heat sources such as batteries and motors.
6. Regular Inspections
Technical Maintenance: Check the tire nuts, valve stems, and the distance between the tire and the steel plate every 3,000-4,000 kilometers, and repair any damage.
Wear Monitoring: Replace the tire when the tread pattern wears to the raised mark on the tooth groove. Remove from service immediately if the sidewall shows cracks or bulges.
