Reduce Downtime: Top Tips for Peak Performance in OTR Tires
While all businesses need to reduce downtime, heavy equipment-dependent industries like mining, construction, and agriculture especially need to do so. Productivity is directly impacted by downtime. This can result in delays, higher expenses, and even revenue loss. It also affects equipment lifespan and maintenance costs.
In OTR tires, downtime is the term used to describe inactivity caused by tire-related issues. And, OTR tires are commonly used in mining and construction. This can include smaller difficulties like changing a flat tire or larger challenges like replacing a damaged tire. Another example can be to handle a large blowout.
Businesses can optimize their operations, meet deadlines, and enhance overall efficiency if they reduce downtime. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and proper training are key to reducing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
Why OTR Tires Fail, The Importance of Reduce Downtime
As we know, mining, construction, and other hard industries depend heavily on OTR tires. The entire operation is negatively impacted when an OTR tire fails. You may avoid these problems and save yourself significant time and money by knowing why these tires fail. Let’s explore some common reasons and how to reduce downtime in OTR tires:
Punctures and Cuts
Punctures and cuts are the leading cause of downtime, and it’s easy to understand why. Sharp objects such as screws, rocks, and debris are frequently found on construction and mining sites, ready to puncture your tires. While avoiding every puncture is impossible, inspecting the tires regularly can significantly reduce the risk.
Underinflation and Overinflation
Tires need the right air pressure. Underinflation causes the tire to flex too much, generating heat and resulting in premature wear and failure. Overinflation, on the other hand, causes excessive stress on the tire, making it vulnerable to blowouts or impact damage. Checking your tire pressure regularly is a simple but vital maintenance task.
Overloading
OTR tires have a specific load capacity. Overloading equipment causes extreme stress on the tire structure, resulting in sidewall bulges, tread separation, and even catastrophic blowouts. Follow the recommended load limits for your tires to ensure their longevity and avoid costly (and dangerous) downtimes.
Improper Operation
A significant factor in tire health is operator behavior; this may increase or reduce downtime. Hard braking, quick turns, and aggressive driving all affect OTR tires. Therefore, training operators on proper techniques can reduce downtime and avoid issues later down the road.
The Ripple Effect: The True Cost of OTR Tire Downtime
OTR tire downtime causes financial losses in addition to the immediate inconvenience:
Direct Costs
The following are the direct financial implications of OTR tire downtime:
Replacement Tire
Depending on the size and brand, replacing a massive off-road tire can cost several hundred to thousands of dollars.
Employment Fees
Changing an OTR tire requires specialized equipment and trained staff, incorporating labor costs into the calculation.
Reduced Efficiency
All of the machinery slows down when a tire problem causes a vehicle to become sidelined. This results in decreased productivity and possibly missed deadlines.
Indirect Costs
In addition to the immediate costs, OTR tire downtime can result in several unanticipated expenses. Let’s see some of them:
Damage to Equipment
Sometimes a tire failure damages the car itself, which increases repair costs and downtime.
Idle Time
When equipment is not in use, inactivity on the part of the related crew could result in higher labor expenses and lower productivity.
Environmental considerations
Although you may not be able to control the weather, extreme temperatures, harsh ground conditions, and chemical exposure can all deteriorate OTR tires over time. Taking precautions, like providing dark storage and avoiding unnecessary exposure to harmful substances, can help.
These factors, when combined, may have a significant effect. According to studies, unplanned downtime for a large haul truck can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per hour. It depends on the industry and circumstances. As a result, taking proactive steps to avoid OTR tire failures extends beyond simply maintaining your equipment. It’s a calculated investment to guarantee seamless.
Protect Your Tires: Tire Protection Chains to Reduce Downtime
While you can’t control every hazard on the job site, tire protection chains (TPCs) offer an extra layer of defense for the tires. Protection chains are durable links connected in a chain-like pattern, covering a large portion of the tire’s surface. Let’s see how they can help reduce downtime:
Puncture and Cut Resistance
Tire protection chains act as a defense, deflecting sharp objects that would otherwise tear into your tire. This significantly reduces the risk of flats and blowouts, keeping your equipment moving.
Better Traction
These chains enhance traction in slippery, muddy, or snowy conditions. A better grip means less chance of getting stuck, reducing downtime caused by immobilization.
Extended Tire Life
By protecting the tread and sidewalls, protection chains help your tires last longer. This means to reduce the frequency of replacements and lower long-term costs
Versatility
TPCs are suitable for various tough applications, from mining and quarrying to construction and waste management. However, it’s important to choose the right type of TPC for your needs and maintain them properly. A trusted supplier will help you choose chains and provide guidance to get the most out of them. With careful selection and use, TPCs can be a powerful weapon against OTR tire downtime.
Las Zirh: Tire Protection Chains for OTR Tires
Las Zirh, established in 1978, is a prominent manufacturer of tire protection chains (TPCs) with a global presence. We operate factories in Turkey and export products to over 60 countries. Our focus is on specializing in TPCs for various applications, addressing diverse industries like:
Mining and Quarrying
Protection chains are designed to withstand the harsh environments of quarries and mines.
Construction and Demolition
We offer options for various construction machinery, protecting tires from debris.
Waste Management
Our TPCs are built to handle the demanding conditions of waste-handling facilities.
Other Industries
Las Zirh also offers solutions for forestry, snow removal, and other sectors.
