Tire Protection Chains

Tire protection chains are devices that are placed around the tires of heavy equipment to provide additional traction and protection. By understanding the benefits, features, ideal sizes and compatibility considerations of tire protection chains with haul trucks, wheel loaders, graders, and utility vehicles, you can make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate chains for your vehicle and your specific operating conditions.  Here you will find a quick and useful guide to find the right tire protection chain for you and understand the many things you will win if you use it when working in off-road environments.   

Benefits when using tire protection chains

Tire Protection Chains are a perfect ally when we are facing challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. It’s essential to know that the use of tire protection chains may vary depending on the specific mining operations like Quarrying, Open Pit and Underground/tunneling. 

Here you will be able to find the several benefits if you use tire protection chains in mining and off road environments: 

Enhanced Traction: TPC will help you to prevent slippage and improve maneuverability. In mining environments where the terrain may be uneven, slippery, or challenging, tire protection chains improve traction and grip.  This will allow your vehicle to operate more effectively in difficult conditions. 

Increase your tire’s life: Extra layer of protection to the tire treads. It will minimize the possibility of wear and tear of your tires caused by abrasive surfaces, sharp rocks, or rough terrains.

 By reducing tire damage with the use of tire protection chains, you can extend the lifespan of your tires and save money by spending less money on maintenance costs.

Improve your safety: The enhanced traction provided by tire protection chains can contribute to improving your safety in mining operations. It reduces the risk of vehicles sliding or losing control, especially in steep or icy conditions. You will reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

It’s worth noting that proper installation, regular maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential to ensure the effective and safe use of your tire protection chains in mining and off-road environments.

tire protection chains

Features of tire protection chains

Additionally to the benefits mentioned before there are some key features that make tire protection chains a valuable accessory for your tires:

Durability: Tire protection chains are made from durable materials such as hardened steel or alloy, ensuring they can withstand the demanding environments and resist wear and tear of your tires. These chains are designed to withstand harsh mining and off-road conditions. 

Easy Installation and Removal: Tire protection chains are designed to be easy to install and remove, allowing for quick adaptation to changing conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments where terrain conditions vary frequently, enabling you to switch between chain usage as needed.

Versatility: You can use tire protection chains with various types of off-road vehicles and equipment, including mining trucks, loaders, bulldozers, and forestry machines. They are compatible! These devices can be used in a wide range of mining and off-road applications.

Now, let’s check the most used heavy equipments in mining and the benefits of using tire protection chains: 

And talking about mining trucks, wheel loaders, bulldozers, and forestry machines, it is important to know how we can use tire protection chains depending on the various types of vehicles. And, how useful can become a tire protection chain based on the specific task and terrains in off-road environments. 

Haul Trucks

Haul trucks are large vehicles used to transport heavy loads of materials within mining sites. These trucks often operate on unpaved, uneven surfaces and encounter challenging conditions.  If you use this type of vehicle, tire protection chains can improve the traction of your haul truck tires, especially if you are driving on loose or slippery terrain. This will help you to enhance stability, prevent slippage, and improve control while carrying heavy loads.

Wheel Loaders

These versatile machines are equipped with a front-mounted bucket and are used for various tasks such as loading materials into trucks, stockpiling, and transporting materials within the mining site. They need good traction and maneuverability to operate efficiently. Tire chains can enhance the grip of your loader tires, allowing them to handle loose materials, climb steep inclines, and navigate through challenging terrain. 

Graders

Graders are utilized for grading and leveling surfaces in mining operations. They require excellent traction to achieve precise grading results. If you use this type of vehicle, tire chains can enhance your grader’s traction, allowing your machine to maintain stability and control on loose or icy surfaces. Also, I will improve the accuracy of grading operations. 

Utility Vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

These machines are commonly used in mining sites for transportation, equipment maintenance, and personnel movement.  Tire chains can be beneficial for utility vehicles when you are navigating through difficult terrain or during extreme weather conditions. They enhance traction and improve your vehicle’s ability to handle slippery or uneven surfaces, ensuring safe and efficient transportation.

As with any other vehicle type, we advise you to consider factors such as your vehicle specifications, tire size, manufacturer recommendations, and the specific conditions of the mining site when you are about to select and use tire protection chains. 

Tire size and compatibility with tire protection chains

Here also you can find a guide to learn the importance of tire size and considerations for tire protection chains across various vehicles commonly used in mining, including haul trucks, wheel loaders, graders, and utility vehicles. If you choose the right chain you will have an optimal performance. 

Haul trucks: Haul trucks typically have large tires with specific size designations such as 27.00R49 or 40.00R57. Make sure that the tire chains for these vehicles are designed to fit the specific tire size and load capacity of your haul truck. Please select chains that are suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Wheel Loaders: They come in various sizes, and the tire size can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Common tire sizes for loaders used in mining include 23.5R25, 26.5R25, and 29.5R25. When choosing you should always consider the specific tire size, load capacity. 

Graders: Graders commonly use tires with sizes like 14.00R24, 17.5R25, or 20.5R25. When selecting tire protection chains for your grader you should check the specific tire size, load capacity, and your grader’s working conditions.

Utility Vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs): They have varying tire sizes depending on the vehicle model. Common tire sizes for these vehicles include 31×10.50R15, LT265/70R17, or 25×10-12 (ATV tires). Please match the tire size and the specific requirements of the mining operation with the tire protection chains.  

Now, with this guide and your own considerations about your vehicle load capacity, tire size and working conditions you will be able to find the right tire protection chains for you. Here are a few examples and you can know more on our blogs. 

Tire protection chains
Tire protection chains x20
Tire protection chains X12

Now it is time to make a decision!  You have found the perfect information and tools to go on and select the best tire protection chain for your vehicle.  By doing so you will be well prepared to conquer those challenging roads and achieve optimal performance in your mining operations. Remember… you will win a lot by using a high-quality tire protection chain like being safe, enhancing productivity and saving money.