Some tips on improving tire life in the mines

Sharp rock fragments on haul roads are bad news for your tires. Generally, as the material's abrasiveness increases, the wear life of the tire decreases. Rock cuts are the number one tire killer and decreasing those can greatly extend a tire’s life because every little hairline cut weakens the resilience of the tread and sidewalls. When a tire meets a rock, it becomes the only contact point between the ground and the weight of the vehicle.

Here are some tips to help keep your tires on the job.

Think slope
The slope of the road should be super-elevated. For instance, if there is a curve to the right, the left side of the road should be banked higher to remove some of the load from the outside tire. If a road is sloped the opposite way, more scrubbing will occur on one side than the other, and spillage also becomes an issue as the load shifts with the lean of the truck. Super-elevation also allows increased productivity because it allows the vehicle to take turns faster and more safely. Tire and original equipment manufacturers often provide consulting to optimize haul road configuration and operator behavior. Grade of 6 percent to 8 percent is ideal, and anything more than that causes tires to work harder.

An ounce of prevention
Tire experts advise not to allow production demands to eclipse an operator’s tire maintenance. There is a cost-benefit ratio, which is affected by multiple variables, that needs to be analyzed. Perhaps the production demands are costing money by accelerating tire wear, or the operator could be handling a face loader too aggressively. An operator’s behavior greatly affects tire life. A good loader operator knows how to properly control the hydraulics to fill a bucket rather than spinning the tires while attempting to lift the entire pile from the bottom. A good haul truck driver knows what speed to maintain based on the structure and curves of the road.

Watch the load
Proper loading is essential. Loads should be centered because a lopsided load will increase wear on the heavier side. This causes the tires’ sidewalls to bulge, increasing both the contact area with the ground and the risk of rock cuts. The added weight also makes tires more susceptible to punctures. An operation that is improperly loading trucks will likely pay for it in the long run. The vehicle itself is another determining factor. The more weight and torque a machine possesses, the faster its tires wear.

Water danger
Water drastically reduces the life of tires because it acts as a lubricant, which increases the risk of punctures, and wet tires are more likely to spin and generate heat. Water also causes the steel cords to rust, which can result in a premature failure. Also, exposed cords act as a wick for additional water absorption.