SPACER 2040383 - Caterpillar

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN July 20, 2005
Off Highway Trucks All
SMCS 4203SUBJECT: Tire Performance Problems On Off Highway Trucks Can Be Prevented.
PROBLEM:
The tires on machines can experience related tire performance problems including tire indexing, tread damage, sidewall damage, inner liner damage, and bead damage.
SOLUTION:
Tire selection, tire inflation pressures, and tire maintenance are the most important factors in preventing tire performance problems. Machines have the capability to outperform the tires. Unless proper practices are observed, very costly, premature tire failures can occur. To achieve optimum tire life and tire supplier support, Caterpillar recommends that the tire selection, the inflation pressures, and the maintenance recommendations should be a joint decision between the machine owners and the tire supplier.
The Caterpillar Performance Handbook provides general information concerning tire options, tire ratings, and inflation pressures. The information in the Handbook should only be used as a guide because there are many variables that are specific to equipment and jobs. Always consult with the tire supplier for specific information.
TIRE SELECTION
The customer should always consult with their tire supplier in order to select the best tire for the application. Several tire manufacturers have technical representatives and application representatives for proper guidance in tire selection.
The tire supplier will need a full understanding of the application, the machine operating weight, the average speeds, the maximum payload, and the weight distribution on the tires in order to help with tire selection.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
The tire inflation pressure for machines that are shipped from the factory is suitable for shipping only. Always obtain the proper tire inflation pressures for your machine from the tire supplier before placing the machine into operation.
The customer should always consult with their tire supplier in order to acquire the best inflation pressures. Selecting the correct tire inflation pressure is critical in order to achieve optimum tire life, to reduce tire indexing, and to reduce tire damage.
When working with the tire supplier, several factors need to be considered in determining inflation pressures. These include application, underfoot conditions, maximum tire load, and ambient temperatures. For example, maximum loads or freezing ambient temperatures may require increased tire inflation pressures.
TIRE MAINTENANCE
The customer should always consult with their tire supplier to acquire maintenance recommendations. Maintaining the correct tire inflation pressure as well as performing other maintenance recommendations provided by the tire supplier is critical to achieve optimum tire life and optimum tire supplier support.
All tires should be operated at the tire supplier?s recommended inflation pressure for a given application. Inflation pressure should be checked every working day with an accurate gauge. The gauge should be checked against a known standard at least once a month.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The customer is responsible to notify their tire supplier of any changes in the application so the supplier can make any needed adjustments to the inflation pressure or to the maintenance recommendations.
To achieve optimum tire life the customer must maintain acceptable tire size between all four tires. Doing so reduces tire scuffing and improves lower power train component life. Please refer to Service Magazine, SEPD0766, January 10, 2005, "Match tire