Pit & Quarry, July 2018

TIRES Small adjustments BIG benefits 30 PIT QUARRY July 2018 pitandquarry com PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOODYEAR TIRE RUBBER CO ires are important to the successful operation of many vehicles used at quarries but individual tire performance attributes can vary based on application service conditions and other factors One quarry might prefer tires that offer enhanced cut resistance while another could place a higher premium on hours of service Others might want tires that stay cooler while running at higher speeds and under heavier loads When one aspect of a tires performance is enhanced other elements are sometimes impacted But technologies have emerged to help reduce performance trade offs Tire engineers can tweak tread designs to help achieve targeted balances of performance attributes for various applications but alterations can also be made in these less visible areas Compounding Rubber compounds are a foundation of tire performance In fact one standard quarry tire can contain up to six or more compounds from the crown of the tread down to the tread base and they interact with one another while the tire is in operation Depending on what the tire will be asked to do tires can feature compounds that are adjusted to enhance cut protection and even reduce heat generation Sidewall construction Sidewalls help support the tire so the tire can in turn carry the vehicles load They also can play a significant role in maintaining equipment stability The thicker the sidewall the more stability a tire will often provide However heavy loads can cause sidewalls to bend This can expose more of a sidewalls surface area to rocks and other debris Sidewalls that feature increased thickness special compounds or added reinforcements can help reduce sidewall bending or def lection which can cut down on a tires exposure to potentially damaging objects on the ground Good tire performance starts with correct tire selection When evaluating tire options quarry operations should consult a qualified OTR tire dealer who can evaluate specific equipment needs and make appropriate recommendations Qualified dealers can also help monitor tire performance via tire management programs Careful systematic tracking of tire performance can generate many benefits including the identification of maintenance opportunities the ability to forecast future tire needs more accurately and others P Q Eric Matson is the global field engineering manager for The Goodyear Tire Rubber Co s OTR tire business The impact of compounds and sidewalls goes a long way toward tire performance BY ERIC MATSON T Sidewalls that feature increased thickness special compounds or added reinforcements can help reduce sidewall bending or deflection