OTR Tires 101: What You Need to Know
OTR tires is the short name for Off-The-Road. Refer to tires designed for large vehicles such as trucks and heavy-duty equipment. The purpose of OTR tires is to operate in challenging terrain. These tires provide a solid and reliable foundation for large vehicles like off-road equipment. OTR tires play a fundamental role in industries like mining, construction, and agriculture.
In this article, we will let you know the most important aspects you need to know about these tires.
OTR Tires Classification
The International Standard Organisation (ISO), the European Tyre and Rim Organisation (ETRTO), the Tire and Rim Association (TRA), and the Japan Automobile Tyres Manufacturers (JATMA) validated the TRA as an international benchmark.
C = Compactor
A compactor is a kind of construction equipment that is used to compact and reduce the volume of different materials. For example, waste, gravel, and soil. It usually has a big, heavy roller or plate. This presses down on the material to compact it and give it a more solid, stable surface. Compactors are frequently used in landfills, road construction, and other projects where obtaining a dense and firm base is important.
G = Grader
A grader is a kind of construction equipment used to grade and level surfaces, usually landscapes or roadways. The operator can shape, fill, and cut the ground to create the appropriate slope or level. This is thanks to the long blade’s adjustable angles and depth. Graders are essential for creating and maintaining smooth, level surfaces on roads, which promotes efficient and safe transportation.
E = Earthmoving
The process of moving large amounts of soil, earth, or other materials is called “earthmoving.” This process modifies the landscape to excavate or perform construction. Bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and graders, among others, are some of the equipment used in this category. This type of equipment is important to many building projects. Especially where changing the natural topography is necessary, like mining, site preparation, and building roads.
L = Loader and bulldozer
First, another heavy-duty piece of machinery used for lifting, scooping, and transporting materials is a loader. Some of the materials this equipment transports are soil, gravel, and debris. Loaders typically have a front-mounted bucket. This element is used to collect materials from the ground and load them into trucks or other containers.
They are frequently utilized for jobs requiring material handling and loading. As you know, these are common tasks in the mining, construction, and quarrying industries.
Second, bulldozers. A bulldozer is a strong-wheeled machine with a large blade that faces ahead on the front. The primary purpose of a bulldozer is to push or move large quantities of materials during construction or earth-moving projects. Due to their sturdy construction, bulldozers are frequently employed for jobs like surface leveling, debris removal, and land grading. They are essential in various construction and mining applications for their capability to shape and manipulate the terrain.
Radial Tires vs Bias OTR Tires
Radial Tires
The performance of a tire’s tread is also influenced by its construction. There are two types of OTR tires: radial and bias. In comparison to bias tires, radial tires have more tread on the ground, increasing their traction. Because of their steel belts and flexible carcasses, radials also have higher impact resistance in the tread area. Radials are often more durable and distribute heat more effectively than bias tires.
Bias Tires
The sidewalls are thicker than radial ones, giving them greater stability and resistance to punctures and tears along the sidewall. When it comes time to buy new tires, bias tires are typically cheaper and more readily available than radials. They are also more regularly available.
| Radial Tires | Bias Tires | |
| Advantages | Stability | Strength |
| Less expensive | Resistance to damage | |
| Longer lifespan | Stability | |
| Comfort for the operator | ||
| Disadvantages | Their side walls are easily broken | Since their rolling resistance is lower, they are less stable at higher speeds and use more fuel. |
Identification of the Sidewall and Tire Markings
To comprehend a tire’s specifications and make sure it is applied correctly, it is essential to recognize sidewall and tire markings. The tire’s sidewall functions as a vital informational hub, providing crucial details regarding the tire’s dimensions. For example, load-carrying capacity, speed rating, and manufacturing details. Tire markings often include the nominal section width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load index, and speed symbol.
- Manufacturer: All tire manufacturers brand their tires with their corporate name. This is frequently the most recognizable writing or logo on a tire.
- Nominal section width of the tire (in inches): Width of the tire measured from sidewall to sidewall in inches.
- Construction: In this case, the R indicates that the tire is constructed as a Radial.
- Rim diameter code: Refers to the diameter of the wheel or rim
- Star rating
- Load index and speed symbol: Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate
- Type of application: Application according to TRA classification
- Type of use (pictogram): The purpose for which the tires are designed (Loader, ADT)
- Tire category (pictogram): Construction/Earthmover
Tire Protection Chains for OTR
Reliable methods of navigating challenging terrain are essential for off-road (OTR) vehicles, such as heavy machinery used in construction, mining, and forestry. You can be sure that your equipment will be operational when you need it because OTR tire chains are made to give your tires years of dependable service. Protection chains for OTR are a specific kind of chain made for OTR vehicles or equipment. These chains are made to fit around the tires of off-road vehicles. Their main objective is to increase traction, stability, and protection in challenging terrain.
