SELECTION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF OTR (OFF THE ROAD) TYRES
Uses and characteristics of OTR.
The qualities which OTR must possess differ somewhat according to the function they must serve and the type of vehicles on which they are mounted.
Tyres are two types.
# Bias Tyre.
# Radial tyre.
# Structure and functions of OTR components.
* Steel radial type: - consists of four primary components. Casing piles, beads, belts and tread. These four components are primarily responsible for the tyre’s fundamental characteristics.
# Proper Tyre selection: -
In selecting the tyres suited for your specific requirements, all the factors which may affect the tyre must be taken in to account.
The following conditions, for example, make selection of the proper tyre more difficult.
* When climate changes are extreme (temperature, rain fall)
* When several types of vehicles by different makers are in use.
* When tyres are subject to hazards by both heat and cutting at the same time.
In these cases, the worst possible conditions should be estimated and tyres selected to meet those conditions.
¤ Type of vehicle
* Make, model.
* Maximum capacity of load.
* Maximum speed and horse power.
* Tyre size, star rating and ply rating.
¤ Operating conditions
* Climate
* Roads
* Operating speed
* Operating load
* Operating Tons KM per Hour
* Maintenance
¤ Performance expected
* Serviceability expected
* Heat and cut resistance
* Re capability
* Maneuverability
* Customer’s requirements
¤ Selection
*Correct tyre size, star rating and ply rating, type and tread pattern
*Correct specification of tyres.
*Correct inflation pressures.
¤ Proper tyre use
To get the most out of your tyres, tyres should be used correctly. Misuse of tyres will be inevitably resulting in rapid wearing and shortened serviceability, in some cases there is even a danger of ACCIDENTS.
To use tyres correctly the following five points must be observed with co-operation from five members of your staff
.
* Correct inflation pressures: - Tyre man
* Specified load: - Shovel operator
* Prescribed vehicle speed: - Driver
* Proper vehicle maintenance: - Mechanics
* Full road maintenance: - Road maintenance staff
# Storage and Transportation of OTR
Tyre stock is divided in to New, Used and Worn out tyres.
¤ Grouping
* New tyres (not mounted on rims)
* New/used tyres (mounted on rims)
* Demounted tyres…..worn out, to be repaired
* Spare tyres (re usable, repaired, recapped)
* Scrapped tyres
# Method of storage
¤ New tyres
* Indoor storage. A cool, dark, dryplace.
* Outdoor storage. Covered with water proof tarpaulin.
* Tyres not mounted on rims must not be laid on top of one another.
* Keep away from motors, power switch boxes and cables, fuels and lubricants.
* Keep fire extinguisher ready for use.
* Do not remove bead protector or steel band until you are ready to mount the tyre.
¤ Used tyres
* Storage methods are the same as those used for new tyres.
* Remove stones and nails from tyres before storage.
* Attach a tag showing the tyre’s outer diameter for easy reference when the tyre is used again.
¤ Tyres on vehicles (when vehicle is not in operation)
* If possible, place the vehicle on jacks to keep the weight off the tyres.
* Cover tyres with tarpaulin.
* If the vehicle cannot be placed on jacks, move the vehicle once a month to prevent permanent distortion of tyres and keep the inflation pressure as prescribed.
* Do not paint tyres.
¤ Tubes
* New tubes should be kept packaged and in a cool, dry place.
* Used tubes should be deflated, cleaned and stored.
* Arrange tubes in storage by size.
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