Maintenance of industrial tires in construction applications requires consideration of the high loads, high wear, and complex road conditions. Key considerations include tire pressure management, tread wear, foreign object removal, and regular tire rotation. The following is a detailed analysis:
1. Tire Pressure and Load Management
Dynamic Tire Pressure Adjustment: Tire loads in construction applications fluctuate significantly, requiring tire pressure adjustment based on the actual load. For example, when loading wet sand or gravel, tire pressure should be increased by 10%-15% compared to the standard value to account for material density variations and prevent excessive tire deformation, resulting in heat generation or damage.
Load Monitoring: Overloading is strictly prohibited. Radial overload is a major cause of premature tire failure. A load below the allowable value by 3% can double tire life; an overload of 40% can shorten tire life by 50%. Tire loads must be regularly checked to ensure they are within safe limits.
2. Tread and Tread Maintenance
Tread Depth Inspection: Construction tires require a tread depth of ≥25mm and a tread area ratio of 70%-80% to provide adequate grip and wear resistance. Check the tread depth monthly. If it's less than 3mm, replace it immediately to prevent slipping or blowouts caused by tread wear.
Tread foreign matter removal: Construction sites often have debris, rebar, and other foreign matter embedded in the tread. These should be removed with specialized tools after daily work to prevent punctures and tread delamination. If a puncture 6mm or larger is found in the tread, repair it with a mushroom-shaped nail patch and apply sealant.
3. Heat Dissipation and Temperature Control
Temperature Monitoring: Construction tires generate heat easily due to frequent starts and stops and heavy loads. Therefore, check the tire temperature every two hours. If the tire temperature exceeds 85°C, stop the machine immediately and allow it to cool naturally. Do not use water to cool the tire to prevent cracks caused by uneven tread rubber shrinkage.
Optimize heat dissipation: Choose tires with a low-heat-generating rubber formula and a multi-layered cord construction to minimize inflation deformation and heat generation. For high-temperature environments, install a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to monitor tire pressure and temperature in real time to prevent blowouts caused by overheating. 4. Cleaning and Protection
Pollution Protection: Construction sites often contain corrosive substances such as cement and chemical additives. After work, rinse the tires with clean water to remove any residue and apply protective wax to form an insulating layer to prevent rubber degradation.
Parking Protection: When parking for extended periods, jack up the tires to ensure they are at least 10 cm off the ground to prevent localized pressure and deformation. Solid tires should be rotated 90° monthly to prevent flat spots caused by prolonged inactivity.
5. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Alignment and Balancing: If uneven tire wear is observed, alignment and balancing should be performed to ensure even load distribution. It is recommended to have tires balanced quarterly at a professional tire shop to prevent irregular tire wear and damage to the vehicle's suspension system.
Tire Rotation: To balance front and rear tire wear, it is recommended to rotate the tires every 12,000-15,000 kilometers (12,000-15,000 km). For example, rotate the front tires on the same side of the rear tires, or alternately rotate the rear tires with the front tires. This will extend tire life.
Professional Repair: Tire damage should be handled by professionals. Unauthorized repairs are prohibited. If a sidewall bulge or cord break occurs, replace the tire immediately. Do not mix tires of different brands or models.
6. Driving and Operating Standards
Smooth driving: Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, and other aggressive maneuvers to minimize tire wear and damage. Tire life is 30% shorter on cobblestone, gravel, or sandy surfaces compared to asphalt. Control your speed and steering effort.
Proper loading: Load cargo evenly to avoid overloading some tires, which can accelerate wear or cause tire blowouts. Uneven loading not only shortens tire life but can also cause rollovers.
