Proper tire care is a very important part of improving a company’s bottom line. A tire maintenance program can lead to huge savings in the long run. Tires are the third largest operating cost for heavy equipment, so it is essential to take care of them properly. Downtime costs time and money, so it’s just as important for a small contractor, as a large fleet company, to maximize the operating costs of their equipment.
It is important to keep track of the environmental conditions the tires are being used in and which brands are performing the longest and most efficiently. Tracking unexpected tire failures help discover and understand any issues with the tires, poor maintenance habits, rough haul roads, weather conditions, and ultimately give answers to eliminate premature failures.
In the mining market, the equipment is becoming larger and heavier, and tires are being designed to accommodate the heavier loads, making OTR tires an even larger investment for contactors and mining companies.
Moving the most material at the fastest speeds and keeping costs as low as possible is critical. Selecting the right tire for the application is crucial and tire tracking systems can help determine which will work best in each environment.
BKT uses the SPOTech system to analyze the mining operation and equipment performance. The technology is a combination of GPS, Accelerometers, Video Cameras, and Data Loggers which studies the haul roads, distances, speeds, and loads. This data is combined with the customer’s production data to calculate the mine’s operational TMPH or Ton Mile Per Hour rating. This data is then matched against a tire’s TMPH rating to ensure that the tire can perform to the maximum of the customer’s requirements for speeds and loads.
The SPOTech system also helps analyze haul roads for high lateral g-forces caused by tight corner radius, high speeds, and improper banking. During either an on-site or virtual ride with the haul truck operator, the road conditions, loading, and dumping areas are studied. If there are areas of concern that could cause slow-downs, uneven tire wear, or engine revs, this can reduce cycle times or increase fuel costs.
It is important to assess the environment and application when choosing the correct tire. With the detailed information these tracking systems provide, the tire with the best tread pattern and compound can be chosen to give the customer the longest tire life and the best return on investment. These are crucial steps in preventing unplanned downtime and maximizing production.
By creating good daily practices and regular maintenance programs, companies can help ensure the best return on their investments.
