subject: How To Choose The Right Tyre For Your Loader [print this page] A loader is a popular type of heavy machinery used to collect, shift or carry materials such as sand, gravel, soil, rocks, asphalt, dirt and debris, often onto a truck for transport. There are various types of loaders available, each with advantages for different applications. A new loader can be a significant investment, so it is essential to make sure that your loader remains in top working condition.
Choosing the right tyre for your loader is one of the best ways to ensure that your machine operates effectively. The right tyre enables your loader to perform efficiently and will save you money in operating costs and downtime.
The different types of tyres to use for your front end loader, skid steer, backhoe or forklift depends on the different terrains your machine is running on. Lug tyres are ideal for traction, smooth tyres are for sandy or grassy surfaces and skid tyres are great for concrete. These tyre types are discussed in more detail below.
Lug Tyre
The lug tyre is also known as AS Tread and works best for traction. When it comes to lug depth, the deepest lugs give the best traction and self-cleaning ability. The lug tyre has the lowest amount of tread in contact with the terrain, making it wear very quickly on concrete surfaces. It is also a poor choice for sensitive surfaces as it has the highest ground pressure.
Industrial Lug
The industrial lug or MPT is a multi-function tyre. It may be used for concrete surfaces and also for soft soil. If you are running your loader on public roads, the industrial lug is recommended.
Turf Pattern
The turf pattern may be used for hard concrete surfaces and also for sensitive surfaces such as lawns and grassy areas. This type of tyre has the highest amount of tread in contact with the working surface and has very low ground pressure, making it efficient on concrete. The shoulders of the tyres are also soft and as the machine steers, weight is evenly distributed so damage to the lawn or grass is minimised.
Skid Steer Tread
The skid steer tread or SKD are heavy duty with rim guards and a high ply rating. These tyres work best on 50% traction and 50% hard surface. Skid steer tyres are only available in smaller sizes, making it a good choice for small compact wheel loaders.
Some final words
All tyre types are a compromise between traction, strength and wearing ability. Keep in mind that there is no single, perfect tyre for the entire lifespan and workload of your loader, especially if you work on a hard surface one day and on a sensitive surface the next. Select a tyre based on the surface you usually work on.
Also, note that skid steers are unable to use many of the tyre options discussed in this article. The skidding of the machine puts a lot of pressure on a lug tyre, potentially ripping off the tyres casing. This is why a compact articulated loader is a often a superior choice because a wider variety of tyre options can be used in various demanding applications.
