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Earthmover tyre fitting and removing
Improperly fitted tyres on earthmoving machinery can wear out quickly, damage machinery and pose serious safety risks, potentially leading to accidents. Fitting and removing these tyres requires specialised training and careful attention, given the size of the tyres and machines. This task should only be performed by qualified technicians who are familiar with the necessary procedures and safety measures and who use the appropriate equipment.
General Precautions
Operator Safety
Safety is essential when handling heavy earthmover tyres. Operators must comply with established rules and guidelines:
- Operators must be trained and comply with instructions and procedures. Fitting must always be carried out by trained staff in accordance with the current regulations in the country concerned (when they exist).
- Operators must always wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- At any times: hard hat, protective glasses, gloves and safety shoes.
- For outdoor work: a fluorescent jacket
- For specific tasks: ear protection (fitting, removing, ...), dust mask (cleaning rims, paint, ...).
- Operators should work in pairs. Depending on the size of the tyre and the handling equipment used, it is often necessary to work in pairs in order to carry out the various operations safely.
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Appropriate Equipment
To prevent damage to the beads, it is essential to use the appropriate handling equipment when working on earthmover tyres, such as cranes or forklifts equipped with tyre handlers or hoists with straps. This ensures safe movement and positioning of the tyres while avoiding contact with steel slings or chains.
Machine Safety
Before fitting or removing earthmover tyres, it is essential to ensure that the machine is safe. Only operate on machines that are:
- Unloaded
- Parked horizontally on a clear, flat, clean area
- Parking brake engaged and engine switched off
Additionally, always use blocks to further stabilize the machine and prevent any accidental movement during the tyre handling process.
Precautions for Fitting Earthmover Tyres
Proper preparation is crucial before fitting earthmover tyres to ensure a safe and effective installation. This section outlines the key steps, including inspecting the wheel and its components, checking tyre and wheel compatibility, complying to manufacturer instructions, and applying the correct torque settings. Discover them:
1- Inspect components: Before fitting earthmover tyres, it is essential to ensure that all components of the assembly are in good working condition.
- Start by inspecting the tyre for any abnormal distortions, both inside and outside, as well as visible or potential damage. If any issues are found or there are doubts about the tyre's integrity, isolate it and have it inspected by a qualified technician (read earthmover tyre repair article).
- Continue by checking the general condition of the other components, such as wheel rim clamps, nuts and studs. Remove any rust marks.
2- Check compatibility: Check that the tyre and wheel are compatible (size, pressure, authorisation), ensuring that the wheel is authorised for use with the tyre and that it can handle the tyre's pressure capacity.
3- Follow Fitting Instructions: Comply with the positions, direction of fitting, direction of rotation and any other instructions referred to on the tyre sidewall.
4- Replace O-Ring Seal: If using multi-pieces wheel, be sure to replace the o-ring seal for proper sealing and safety.
5- Considerations for Tubeless Fitting: In the case of tubeless fitting
- With a rubber valve, this must be systematically replaced
- With metallic valves, check the air tightness and continue with the replacement of valve cores or seals if necessary
6- Apply Proper Torque: After fitting the tyre to the vehicle, a torque wrench must be used to achieve the optimal torque as specified by the machine manufacturer. This step ensures that the tyre is securely fastened and minimises the risk of looseness or damage during operation. Always follow the recommended torque settings to promote safety and performance.
Precautions for Removing Earthmover Tyres
Proper procedures for removing earthmover tyres are essential for ensuring safety and efficiency in heavy machinery operations. This process involves careful attention to detail, including deflation, inspection and the use of appropriate tools and equipment.
- Before carrying out any work on a tyre, it MUST be deflated!
- Deflation is recommended before carrying out any work, however minor, on a tyre or a rim.
- Deflation is mandatory when carrying out work on dual-mounted tyres (deflate both tyres) or on a double-flanged rim (2 pieces, bolted together).
- Deflation requires compliance with a safety procedure:
- Wear safety glasses and ear protection (this is even more important than when fitting tyres).
- Do not stand in front of the valve.
- Use a valve core remover and hold the core with your hand when unscrewing
- Check that the tyre is at the right temperature to be removed safely.
- Comply with the manufacturers’ recommendations and instructions when removing a tyre.
To sum up
Proper tyre fitting, conducted according to recommended procedures and safety regulations, provides protection for both staff and equipment, maximising the tyres' performance. Conversely, improper fitting can lead to tyre damage, vehicle harm, serious injury or even death. Therefore, it is crucial that the tyre fitting and removing tasks are carried out by trained individuals equipped with the appropriate tools. We strongly advise that tyre fitting be carried out by a qualified tyre professional. Additionally, always consult the technical instructions from the tyre manufacturer, vehicle manufacturer and wheel manufacturer, as well as the user manual for any tyre-fitting machinery or equipment. To learn more about earthmover tyre use and maintenance, feel free to download our e-book.
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