Project managers in the earthmoving industry have a tough job. They have to ensure that deadlines are met, a multitude of different regulators and paymasters are satisfied, safety is prioritised and budgets are kept. They may not have time to consider cost-saving options under such pressure and may simply sanction a purchase when consumable products need to be replaced. However, some of these "consumables" are particularly expensive and this is definitely the case when it comes to equipment tyres. If you have to fork out for the latest batch of dump truck tyres, what should you bear in mind to make the annual bill more palatable?

The Bigger Picture

Tyre manufacturers produce a wide range of covers for use in the earthmoving industry and they are designed for very precise operation. In other words, one size most definitely does not fit all when it comes to the type of equipment being used and its very specific role. When the right quality of tyre is picked for a particular job and maintenance is prioritised, these tyres can last a lot longer and produce much greater value for money. In addition, fuel savings and equipment performance can be enhanced and there will be a reduction in overall downtime.

How Tyres Are Constructed

In the broadest categorisation, tyres are developed according to "high-level" usage. In other words, for compactors or graders, for dozers or highway use. These categories are then further subdivided according to the type of pattern that each tyre displays. On one end of the scale is a tyre that has no pattern or tread at all and is to be used at jobsites where the ground is particularly hard, while on the other end is a tyre known as "flotation," which is to be used for particularly soft going.

Dump Truck Choices

Project managers need to understand not just the type of surface associated with a project, but also the behaviour of each and every driver. There's quite a wide choice of tyre available for rigid dump trucks, for example, some of which are very highly resistant to rocks, while others are more designed for speed and traction, with a corresponding reduction in damage resistance.

Finer Detail

The manager must also add certain other calculations to the mix before deciding which cover is going to be most effective. How tight are the corners on any access or haul road, as this will have an effect on the tyre's tread life? Furthermore, do drivers tend to make sharp turns at slow speeds or approach the task from an incorrect angle? All of these factors can affect the total tyre budget.

Calculating Properly

Have a word with your earthmoving tyres supplier to help you come up with the right parameters, before you choose your next batch.