Category: Blog
Date: September 16, 2019
Heavy machinery can easily depreciate over the years, which can escalate your costs for machinery maintenance. Taking care of the tires is one of the most productive ways to ensure that your construction equipment is in its best possible shape and ready to operate successfully. Here are some of the tips that can help you maintain your heavy machinery’s tires for long-term usage.
Always choose a trained operator
Heavy machinery usually has more than one operator. Not every operator is trained the same way which can easily impact the machinery’s operation. The best thing to do is to make sure that you always have an operator training program in place with up-to-date manuals. Make sure that every operator has the same kind of training so they understand how to care for the machinery during the operation. Identify best practices and incorporate them into the training program to ensure maximum results and significant value.
Always have scheduled maintenance in place
A part of the operational training is to make sure that your equipment handlers or equipment operators know and understand the importance of heavy machinery maintenance. One important thing that you need to consider for operator training is the maintenance of the machinery tires. Equipment handlers should know how to inspect tires frequently to gauge the frictional damage and repair it before the tires give out. In addition, make sure that the staff does not neglect any scheduled maintenance checks. These checks and inspections are crucial in highlighting tire issues that can sometimes go unnoticed.
Always check the tire pressure before driving off
Tire pressure can significantly affect the functioning of the vehicle. Make sure that your vehicles have accurate tire pressure. Instruct your equipment handlers to check the tire pressure before every operation.
Ensure Proper Load capacity
Do not put more load than your machine can handle. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and always make sure that the load capacity is according to the instructions. The extra load can take a toll on your machinery’s tire health and increase your annual maintenance costs.
Keep your speed in check
Heavy machinery should never be driven at a high speed. This should be a part of your equipment handler’s training. Your machine operators should be fully trained to handle loads at a nominal speed to ensure that the machinery does not depreciate before its time.
Cat® Tires
Caterpillar offers a comprehensive tire line that enables you to work efficiently in almost every application. We offer tire sizes to fit Cat Skid Steer Loaders, Wheel Loaders, Telehandlers, Backhoe Loaders, and more. Cat tires enhance productivity with design innovations – and with the valuable option of purchasing your tires complete as mounted assemblies. Al-Bahar stocks wheel types, sizes, and offsets to accommodate any Caterpillar® model. For more information, refer our tire product guide.
Final thoughts: Sometimes little precautionary measures can have a lasting impact on your equipment’s performance and your annual maintenance costs. The above-mentioned tips are effective ways to improve tire health and in most cases prevent damages that can jeopardize tires’ health. Always remember that machinery needs care and maintenance in order to function properly, so invest in operators’ training and scheduled maintenance checks to avoid costly damages.