PISTON 1884048 - Caterpillar

Tire Inflation with Nitrogen
Caterpillar recommends the use of dry nitrogen gas for tire inflation and for tire pressure adjustments. This includes all machines with rubber tires. Nitrogen is an inert gas that will not aid combustion inside the tire.
Proper nitrogen inflation equipment, and training in using the equipment, are necessary to avoid over inflation. A tire blowout or rim failure can result from improper or misused equipment and serious personal injury or death can occur.Because a fully charged nitrogen cylinder's pressure is approximately 15000 kPa (2200 psi), a tire blowout and/or rim failure can occur if the inflation equipment is not used correctly.
There are other benefits to using nitrogen in addition to reducing the risk of an explosion. The use of nitrogen for tire inflation lessens the slow oxidation of the rubber. Use of nitrogen also slows gradual tire deterioration. This is especially important for tires that are expected to have a long service life of at least four years. Nitrogen reduces the corrosion of rim components. Nitrogen also reduces problems that result from disassembly.
Use a self-attaching inflation chuck and stand behind the tread when inflating a tire, to prevent possible personal injury.
Do not set the tire inflation equipment regulator higher than 140 kPa (20 psi) over the recommended tire pressure.Use 6V-4040 Nitrogen Tire Inflation Group or an equivalent part to inflate tires from a nitrogen gas cylinder. Refer to Special Instruction, SMHS7867 for tire inflation instructions.For nitrogen inflation, use the same tire pressures that are used for air inflation. Consult your tire dealer for operating pressures.Tire Shipping Pressure
The tire inflation pressures shown in the following chart are cold inflation shipping pressures. The operating inflation pressure is based on the weight of a ready-to-work machine without equipment, at rated payload, and in average operating conditions. Pressures for each application may vary and should always be obtained from your tire supplier.Tire Inflation Pressures Adjustment
The tire pressure in a warm shop area, 18° to 21°C (65° to 70°F) will significantly change when you move the machine into freezing temperatures. If you inflate the tire to the correct pressure in a warm shop, the tire will be underinflated in freezing temperatures. Low pressure shortens the life of a tire.When you operate in freezing temperatures, see Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU5898, "Cold Weather Recommendations".