OTR Tire Safety Tips

OTR Tires are one of the hardest working category of tires and proper maintenance, selection and use of these tires improves performance, safety, and most importantly-reduces vehicle’s downtime!

Off-the-road tires are designed for mining, roadwork, forestry/ timber hauling and construction jobs. Always consult the manufacturer or an experienced OTR Tire Expert before using these tires for any other uses. Improper handling, maintenance and driving habits can damage these costly tires, increasing the operating cost of your equipment

The following are recommendations/ tips on OTR Tire usage:

Proper Tire Selection

When purchasing a tire, look for the design that best suits the job or application. “Tire size and Ply Rating should be determined after weighing the loads on each wheel according to accepted procedures. Generally, it is recommended to choose the tire that carries the load with the lowest inflation pressure. After selecting the tires and mounting them do not overload the vehicle, for example, by adding sideboards”

Load And Inflation Pressure

Maintaining the correct inflation pressure at all times will give you the best results from your tires. This is true for almost any type of tire. Keep in mind that it takes tires up to 24 hours to cool after completing a job. because of this, it is recommended that you check and adjust inflation pressure after long breaks or weekends.

• Tire pressure should be checked every month, and occasionally during the work day. When checking during work times, make sure you take into account that heat build up will raise the pressure up to 15 PSI. If inflation pressure exceeds the additional 15 PSI, you should reduce the load or the driving speed

• Never lower inflation pressure by bleeding. This only increases heat build-up
• Cover all valves with caps to prevent dirt penetration or valve-core damage

• Load and inflation pressures should be determined according to length of the haul. “When the haul exceeds 5 Miles, round-trip, consult the tire manufacturer.” Maintaining the haul road can significantly increase the life of a tire

• It is permitted to use regular skid depth tires without dry ballast in transit, on the condition that the following rules are carefully observed:

The vehicle must be unloaded during transit

Maximum highway speed must be limited to 30 MPH. For wide-base tires, the speed is 20 MPH

Proper inflation pressure must be checked and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. A minimum one-hour midday stop should be observed during full day operation

Proper Driving Techniques

To get maximum performance from off-the-road tires, it is important to use proper driving habits. Avoid things like: chuck holes, strong spinning, sudden starting or breaking maneuvers, high speed cornering, and locking one wheel for sharp turns. Any of these maneuvers can harm your tires and shorten their working life.

Mounting and Dismounting of OTR Tires

It’s also recommended that correct mounting and dismounting procedures. It is important to take all safety precautions. Remember, many severe accidents result from carelessness in mounting or dismounting
Mounting/Dismounting Safety Tips:

“Before mounting the tires on the vehicle, check the wheels and rims and make sure that the vehicle is in perfect mechanical condition. Upon completion of the mounting process, check the clearance between the wheel and the vehicle all around. For duals, install a permanent rock ejector to prevent damage from wedged rocks.”

“Duals should not vary in their overall diameter, more than ¼” for tires of up to 8.25” cross section, and ½” for tires with cross section of 9.00” and above. If this is not adhered to, the larger tire is likely to fail prematurely. Never try to make up for larger differences by changing the inflation pressure”

Proper Tire Storage

Avoid storing tires for more than a few months. Store in areas that are dark, cool, and free of dirt and oils. try to store as far as possible from running electric engines

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

AG Tire Technology

AG Tire Technology: Where we are, and where we’re headed?

The world of agriculture has never experienced such rapid innovation in technology, new products, equipment and research than any other time in history.

Here’s a look at some of those advancements:

 

A: Autonomous Tractors

The tractor replaced the horse and plow well over a century ago. And not long after that, foresighted innovators were thinking ahead to a time when a tractor wouldn’t need a driver at all. However, it’s only been the past few years where technology has made the concept of autonomous tractors economically feasible. There are already a handful of autonomous tractors on display. In the future, it likely will become a commonplace to see them in the fields.

B: Biotechnology

Where would we be without seed development? One can only imagine. However, for more than 100 years the US has developed into the world leader in crop genetics. This fact has led to the creation of countless seed varieties and hybrids. It allowed a diversity of crops to be grown successfully in many climates and become resistant to disease, drought and pests. Today, seed development research, both private and public, continues as the demand to feed a rising world population increases.

 

C: Crop Sensors

Farmers no longer have to determine their field applications before getting into the tractor cab. Thanks to variable rate crop sensor technology, the amount of application can be performed in real time. In the future, it would help producers avoid applying more fertilizer than is needed and decreasing leaching and runoff into ground water.

 

D: Drought Resistant Corn

Last year’s drought across much of the Corn Belt put the need for more drought-resistant corn varieties front and center in the discussion of future corn production. While more acres continue to be planted in so-called non-traditional corn growing states, success in the Corn Belt drives the market. And with drought always a concern, development of drought resistant varieties couldn’t come at a better time.

 

E: Eco-friendly Farming

There are no better stewards of the land than farmers. And finding alternatives to traditional power resources is always on their minds. Solar projects, wind energy production and converting bio-waste into an energy source are among the ways farmers and ranchers are doing their part to tap into renewable energy.

F: Farm Management Software

The computer certainly made bookkeeping on the farm much faster than the days of pen and paper. Eventually, new software programs enabled even a novice bookkeeper to grasp accounting practices. Today, accounting software is tailored for individual businesses and industries, including farming.

G: Global Positioning System

It’s been around for years, but its uses in agriculture continue to evolve. Where would farmers be without GPS? It provides precise data in field mapping and scouting. And assists in the application of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

 

H: Hydrogen-powered Tractors

An alternative to conventional tractors powered by gasoline, hydro-powered tractors run on fuel cells. Some manufacturers, like New Holland, already are developing hydrogen fuel cell powered tractors. Hydrogen-powered technology is not just reserved to the freeway.

 

M: Mobile Devices

Where would farmers be without them? With a few touches of a Smartphone or iPad producers have access to crop data in real time. Whether they are in the tractor, at home, or in town, a farmer is never disconnected to their farm.

O: Odor Eaters

Yes, even technology is out there to reduce odor. Operators of large animal feedlots, including hog farms, are well aware of the “big stink” about the smell. Chemical engineers continue to work with biofiltration techniques that use bacteria to eat air pollution. It may one day lead to a significant reduction in animal waste odor.

 

P: Pest Control

Years ago farmers had little in their arsenal when it came to combating insects. Thanks to research and development of plant varieties and insecticides, it because a winnable battle. Continued researches from entomologists have also enabled farmers to learn of these insects’ movements and traits. And that has also helped in pest control and limiting crop loss.

 

R: Remote Sensing

With today’s expanding operations stretching farmers and ranchers in many directions, tools are available to closely monitor animals, environmental conditions and equipment efficiency through remote control and digital camera technology. It’s not a new concept, but it continues to evolve to encompass many tasks in agriculture.

S: Soyoil in Tires

Farmers soon will be operating their equipment on tires made in part by soybeans they are producing. Technology is moving ahead on the use of soyoil in tractor tires. About 90 pounds of it go into manufacturing every 900-pound tractor tire.

T: Telematics

What if an implement dealer could connect to your tractor’s diagnostic system while you’re out working in the field? Imagine if repairs could be made over a computer instead of having a service mechanic come to the farm, or the need to bring the machine into the shop? Telematics technology could be the next big advancement in farm equipment maintenance.

U: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

No longer are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) reserved for military purposes. These drones could become a farmhand in the sky, assisting in surveying crops. The practice of UAVs monitoring fields is already being conducted – and with favorable results.

V: Variable Rate Irrigation Systems

Water is a precious resource, and no one knows better than farmers. Drought conditions have generated more emphasis on irrigation systems to prevent crop loss. Technology is enabling farmers to closely monitor irrigation rates and avoid wasting this resource.

W: Weed Research

Weeds cost farmers millions of dollars annually in yield loss. And that is why advancements in weed resistance remain critical. Whether it’s through the private sector, or through USDA or university-subsidized programs, weed research continues to develop products and methods to mitigating weed damage in farming.

Z: Zero-till Farming

It’s been around for decades in the U.S, but it continues to gain greater acceptance for its ability to retain moisture, limit erosion and enhance soil nutrients. Research and development continue to improve the performance and durability of no-till planters and sprayers.

Hope you had a good read! I’ll post more soon, till time.. take care – peace out.

Devesh Dabas.

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

OTR Tires : Burning Strategies, Fiscal 2013.

Good Afternoon!

Fiscal 2013 has started with high-energies in mining, this time of year is very important to your future success and growth for the New Year.

After a site visit and thorough tire/wheel inspection, you should have enough information to make some decisions and recommendations for your OTR customer.

While it’s a great time to spend with family and friends – and hopefully relax from the hectic year that has passed – now is the time when you need to work the hardest in order for your customers to be prepared for the New Year, as well. Taking the time to implement all the programs that you have been discussing with your accounts will definitely build a solid base for long-term growth.

Summers is a good time to inspect the OTR tires on your customers’ equipment, plus what is in the scrap and spare tire pile. By doing a complete tire survey; you can then decide what needs to be pulled for retreading, repair and rotation, or for replacing or changing out the rim area compounds that have been damaged.

Step 1: Work With the Customer

Many customers are looking to save money, especially since business generally has been slow and many tire budgets have been trimmed. They know good tires are critical for production and maximizing the life of their tires is a sure way to help them stay within their annual tire budgets.

Before you start the survey, meet with the customer to find out what their business outlooks are for 2013. This will help you to understand the potential demand that will be put on the equipment and tires. For example, if they have a new project that requires the equipment to travel longer distances with good underfoot conditions, you may want to recommend a shallower tread (E/L3) vs. a more expensive, deeper tread (E/L4), especially if they are running articulated dumps. This will help to make their tire budget last longer.

Step 2: Maximize Product Performance

The next step is to complete a thorough tire and wheel inspection. Start your inspection in the same location (generally left front) for each truck/loader and inspect each wheel position in the same order for each truck. Always have a tire marker (yellow or white) to write your findings on the tire. This will help you to know that each tire was completed and the information recorded is correct.

Checking the tires and wheels should include, but not be limited to:

• Tire size, new or retread, brand name, type, compound and serial number by wheel position

• Record the tread depth for each tire

• Check both inside and outside tread depth in three places around the tire

• Current tire pressure and condition of the valve stem, including cap

• Overall tire condition (cuts, tread wear, mismatched duals, etc.), along with pictures of your findings

• Inspection of the wheels and hardware; make notes as to what needs to be replaced

If you’re using a tire recordkeeping program, print off the survey forms in advance of your inspection for the equipment to be surveyed. This way, you will be able to double-check that the tires shown on the report match what is on the equip­­ment, plus this allows you to easily update the information.

If you have not yet started with a tire-tracking program, use a fleet inspection form to help keep your findings organized. The information gathered could then be entered in a tire program you have selected that can help better prepare your recommendations to the customer. There are many different tire-tracking programs in the market that are excellent and easy to work with. Check with your tire supplier(s) or talk with other OTR tire dealers to determine what might be the best program to fit your needs.

Once you have a program set up, maintaining and updating the information will be much easier. The information available will provide your customer and you with a very clear picture of the tires in the fleet. The reports available can show what is working regarding the tires being purchased – whether they are new or retreads – the best rotation procedure and what your customer will need to spend on tires and tire service in order for their equipment to deliver maximum uptime. After all, the bottom line is not the upfront cost, but what the total cost is to the customer when the tire is finally removed from service.

Step 3: Analyze Information to Inverse Problems

After completing the site inspection and inputting the findings, now comes the next important step – analyzing the data. With the inspection information gathered and knowing what the equipment will be doing in the future, you should be able to make some decisions and recom­men­dations. My suggestion is to take a couple of good options to your customer. After all, you do not want to give them “sticker shock” with just one option of what needs to be done. It always is best to outline what needs to be addressed now to mitigate higher costs later. Having an organized monthly step-by-step plan will ensure minimal downtime – and costs – for your customer.

Pulling your thoughts together also should involve your tire and retread suppliers and anyone else directly involved in servicing that OTR fleet.

• Work with your new tire supplier to put together the best tire for each piece of equipment. It is important not to oversell what is required, but offer what is needed to match up their actual requirements now.

• Talk to your OTR retreader just like you would the new tire supplier to select the proper tread design. Get commitments on turn-around time in case a piece of equipment will need to be on blocks while the casings are being retreaded or tires repaired. If a casing cannot be retreaded, be sure there is another alternative (along with the cost), so you can include that in your proposal.

• Put together a timeline – with pricing – to implement your recommendations. Organizing different options will allow your customers to choose which program would be best for them based on their situation and forecasted requirements.

• Prepare your presentation in a professional format. This will take time, but it is time well spent. Use PowerPoint or a similar program to help you walk through your findings and suggested recommendations.

• Start with an overview of what the customer would want to achieve based on the information gathered from the customer and the tire survey. Include actual pictures of issues discovered with the tires.

• Offer an action plan (along with costs) as to how you are going to address their tire requirements for the next year.

• Outline training suggestions based on what you found or information that should be shared with the operators to help maximize tire performance.

• With the final slide, ask for the order with a firm start and finish date.

Step 4: Create Value

Being prepared is important in making a solid OTR tire and service presentation. Do not over sell or focus on one issue for too long. Keep the presentation moving and to the point, knowing that you are trying to get approval to proceed with one of your recommendations. If required, ask for support from your new tire manufacturer and/or retreader; having another person with you can help to address specific questions that may be asked by the customer.

We all like to be sold, and a OTR tire customer is no different. If the presentation clearly shows need and solid recommendations, it will be easier for the customer to choose the best program for their requirements.

Remember – your customers are limited on time, so knowing what they require, giving them the facts and pricing, and a detailed process to complete the project will make their decision easier and faster.

Good luck and good selling in the New Year!

Devesh Dabas.

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

Right Tyre, Benefits All

When determining the proper air pressure for an OTR tyre, many factors play crucial role, including payload, vehicle speed, and underfoot work requirements. For optimized performance, contact your regional Apollo representative to obtain a recommendation.

Demand placed on your customers to deliver their end products at competitive prices puts a lot of pressure on the OTR Tyre – Business Partner. No longer can a salesperson assume that supplying the same product to the customer is the right thing to do for both parties.

When determining the proper air pressure for an OTR tyre, many factors play crucial role, including payload, vehicle speed, and underfoot work requirements. For optimized performance, contact your regional Apollo representative to obtain a recommendation.

OTR tyre customers are looking for ways to improve their cost per hour (CPH) by maximizing tyre performance, so they need someone to work closely with them to make this happen. With tyre prices constantly climbing, many factors make this even more of an opportunity. This is why an OTR Tyre – Business Partner’s approach to sell needs change, and dealer’s salespeople need to be more of a consultant/ analyst than just another tyre salesperson.

What’s the difference?
A salesperson has one goal: to sell a tyre to a customer. The salesperson often does not understand or know if the operation or equipment usage has changed or will in the future.

Today, customers are looking for help from all of their suppliers – including the OTR Tyre Dealer – to reduce their operating cost. Analyzing the demands on the tyre by doing site audits, knowing/ understanding the reasons for tyre removal, delivering training and understanding future operational changes helps the consultant place the correct tyre in service the first time itself.

Let’s look at some of the different areas that need to be studied when making a tyre decision:

Tyre Maintenance:
Whether it’s a loader or haulage vehicle, the most important maintenance practice to obtain maximum performance is having the correct air pressure in each tyre. What’s the correct inflation pressure for an OTR Tyre? A million-dollar question. Many factors go into determining the proper inflation pressure, such as the payload, vehicle speed, and underfoot work requirements, but for the best results, contact your regional Apollo representative to obtain a recommendation.

Are end-users doing the proper tyre rotation to optimize tread performance? Are they starting the new tyres in the front wheel positions and then rotating to the rear wheel positions based on an established program? Can the end-user get more life hours on the front wheel position before rotating to the back, which maximizes tyre life, or is the demand for rear tyres forcing them to rotate early?

These are questions that need to be verified with the customer using the records that are kept on the tyres.

Loaders:
The most common mistake is thinking that more tread depth is always better. In the past, more tread depth generally was better as the equipment basically did the same thing every day.

Today, loaders are being used for multiple purposes. One day a loader could be in the pit for loading trucks (L5) and the next day it could be handling material from the stock pile to the crusher (load and carry – L4), and then the next day it could be working in the load out area (L4 or L3). This creates an important opportunity for the OTR Tyre Dealer to help customers make the most cost-effective, and cost-efficient tyre choice.

Loaders have become much more productive (faster cycle time), and heavier (upgrades). But the tyres on today’s loaders are the same size as they were when the machine was first launched.

”Mining and Pit Operations” are constantly changing and in most cases the distances between the pit, crusher and conveying systems are increasing. This means the tyres are working harder with less cool down-time (higher WCF requirements).

Haulage Trucks:
Like the loaders, haulage trucks have become faster and productive. For example, the trend with electric-drive trucks is now toward AC drives, which allow the trucks to reach maximum speed quicker.

And you cannot ignore mechanical drive trucks as they, too, are much more productive than the older models. True, the trucks can only go as fast as the slowest truck with regard to cycle times, but customers are looking to either upgrade the trucks or move them around so they are better matched to achieve maximum productivity.

As mining and pit operations mature, the hauls get longer and the grades steeper. Both have a bearing on tyre wear and should be fully analyzed prior to placing tyres. Site conditions (haul roads, curves, loading and dumping areas) are critical to the life expectancy of haulage tyres.

Tyre maintenance programs should be closely monitored to ensure that best practices are in place.

The Recommendation:
What assistance can an OTR Tyre Dealer offer a customer to maximize tyre life/ operational profitability?

The best place to start is with a site audit. Just like a financial auditor, take a close look at all of the details. Look at and grade each critical area of the operation: loading & dumping areas, haul-roads, intersections, grading, ambient temperature and overall site maintenance. This will help determine where improvements and training are needed to enhance tyre performance.

Then come back and review the Ton-Kilometer-Per-Hour (TKPH) for the customer’s haulage trucks (rigid frame and ADTs) or Work Capacity Factor (WCF) for loaders to determine the correct compound and tread depth of tyres being recommended.

For haul trucks, analyze the most demanding hauls. If the trucks are designated to specific locations within the operation, then each haul needs to be reviewed separately to determine proper recommendations. The information can be gathered by doing a GPS study (if you have a program to download the information) or the basic “on the paper” calculation. Either way, the information is critical when making the tyre selection.

As with the haul trucks, loaders need to be analyzed based on the worst-case scenario, as this is what will cause the majority of tyre issues. Once the WCF is completed and the data analyzed, a tyre dealer will be able to recommend the correct tread depth (L3, L4 or L5), compound (cut- or heat-resistant) and design of tyre for the application. Deeper tread (L5) tyres may no longer be the tyre of choice at a customer’s operation due to the change in the productivity of the machine.

Having facts to back up an analysis and decision is important. This is why doing a complete “out of service/ scrap” tyre inspection will help to confirm the findings from the site analysis and support the decision of the tyre being recommended for the customer.

Records, Records, and Records:
Tyre records often are talked about, but not completed. Having accurate tyre records – whether completed by the commercial tyre dealer or the customer – is critical to a successful OTR Tyre Program. Tyre records provide valuable data as to the actual tyre performance, reasons for removal and many other comprehensive reports. There are many great OTR Tyre Record Programs to choose from; the important thing is selecting one and starting to record the data if there is nothing currently in place.

With new equipment, higher productivity and more customers focused on maximizing tyre performance while obtaining higher production levels, new challenges are created for the tyre suppliers. This is why taking skills and knowledge to another level by doing the site audits, maintenance review and tyre removal/ scrap analysis allows dealers to consult with customers and recommend the right tyre for their operations.

Today, customers BASE their decisions on FACTS. So exceeding those customers’ expectations with REAL-WORLD TYRE FACTS should build a solid, and long-term business relationship.

Devesh Dabas.

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

Good Tyre Management Equals Higher Mine Productiveness.

Capturing Observations

Changing OTR Tire Industry

How To Respond Accurately To The Changes Of The Tire Markets?

You all know that natural rubber constitutes as much as 50% of the cost of tire production. The natural rubber price increased about 160% from the Feb 2009.

Extreme weather and aging trees in the key rubber-growing countries of southeastern Asia will reduce natural rubber production to 10.25 million metric tons this year, according to the International Rubber Study Group. Meanwhile, natural rubber consumption will be 10.31 million metric tons.

Looking ahead, projected demand of 11.26 million metric tons in 2011 will outpace anticipated production of 11.0 million metric tons. The bullish natural rubber demand and price outlook is supported by the fact that inventories of the material, used to make gloves, hose, gaskets, and condoms as well as motor vehicle tires, are projected to fall to 67 days of demand in 2011, according to an analysis by Goldman Sachs Group. That’s because of a projected 16.4% rise in world automotive production this year, according to IHS Global Insight, and an 8.5% expansion in 2011.

I think you could understand what’s the meaning of this figure for the tire price. Since this ‘bullish-phase’ in the natural price will continue to lag behind soaring demand for some months to come, tire makers have had to boost prices to offset the higher cost of their key raw material. Goodyear Tire & Rubber was the first large manufacturer to institute a second round of price increases, raising consumer tire prices by 6% on October 1.

Other tires makers have quickly followed. Hankook Tire America is raising U.S. prices by 6.5% on its full line of passenger, light truck, and medium-duty truck tires on November 1. “While we remain focused on controlling our manufacturing and distribution expenses, the costs of energy, raw materials, and transportation has continued to rise making it necessary for us to make this price adjustment,” said Todd Hershberger, Hankook’s senior vice president.

Cooper Tire & Rubber will boost consumer tire prices in North America by 6.5%, also effective November 1. Pirelli Tire North America will raise U.S. consumer tire prices by 7% on December 1. Other tire makers also are expected to raise prices again this quarter. In June, Toyo Tire U.S.A., Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Nexen Tire America, Kumho Tire U.S.A., Yokohama Tire, Hankook Tire America, Michelin North America, Cooper Tire & Rubber, Falken Tire, Bridgestone Americas Tire, and Continental Tire all raised regional consumer and commercial tire prices by an average 7%.

I hope all mentioned above could help you o formulate a new flexible marketing strategy and to respond accurately to the changes of the markets.

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

It Looks Like The OTR Tyre Shortage Is Back!

Looks like I will be spending most of my time working in places other than the India for the foreseeable future. Equipment is rolling in other counties and large OTR tyres (49 inch and larger) are once again in short supply. Many countries are rebounding, partly due to mining activities.

Since April, gray market prices for major brand 63, 57 and 51 inch tyres are up 20% to 50% or more depending the size, brand and type. Speculators are already buying tyres and sitting on them with the expectation of prices returning to the six figure levels of 2007/08.

Economic growth for the USA fell short of expectations during the first quarter of 2010 and the Commerce Department notes lower consumer spending than anticipated.  A USA Today report states that the Economic Outlook Index will continue to slow through the second half of the year with tight credit, high debt and continuing high unemployment being main contributing factors.  The USA is pondering a double-dip recession.

To the north, the IMF has raised Canada’s Economic Growth Outlook for 2010. Canada’s dollar is experiencing parity against the greenback, jobs are being added every month and home prices are rising. Canada’s economy is on the rebound with several Provinces experiencing stronger economic growth than expected. 

What about the rest of the hemisphere? A recent report by United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (“ECLAC”) Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena titled “Latin America and the Caribbean to Grow 5.2% in 2010” reports that the growth rate is higher than expected, but economic performance in the region is very diverse. Countries that stand out for growth are those with strong domestic markets and those with exports to Asia.

In the western hemisphere, the highest growth rates in 2010 are in South America, led by Brazil, the biggest economy in the region, with growth expected at 7.6%, followed by Uruguay 7.0%, Paraguay 7.0%, Argentina 6.8% and Peru 6.7%, the Dominican Republic 6.0%, Panama 5.0%, Bolivia 4.5%, Chile 4.3% and Mexico 4.1%. Colombia will grow 3.7%, Ecuador and Honduras 2.5%, Nicaragua and Guatemala 2.0%. The exception being Venezuela which will experience negative growth: (-3.0%).

The anticipated 4.3% growth for Chile is somewhat camouflaged due to the fact that it was rocked by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake this year. Resultantly, economic activity was at the lowest pace over the last three years. Chile mines copper. In fact copper accounts for more than half of total exports. Demand for the metal is increasing and mining activity is ramping back up.

So I will be in Chile, Peru or Canada helping mining companies and contractors optimize tyre performance to produce more with less. While I am overseas I expect the US debt to hit $14 trillion and US unemployment rate to stay above 9%. Or neighbors seem to know something we in the US have not figured out yet. I will let you know what I find out.

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

Water Logging: Enemy of a OTR Tyre

Water is a natural lubricant for rubber. Once water has coated the rubber surface the ability for sharp material to cut and penetrate through the rubber is significantly increased. Water will also decrease the rubbers ability to grip and hold onto other surfaces creating slippage and higher wear rates. Puddles and pools of water on haul roads and pit floors will hide rocks and sharp objects. Water sitting on the road surface also increases the wear and degradation of the road condition. Water promotes corrosion on exposed steel body cords and belts and will exacerbate separations in the structure of the tyre where any partial damage has occurred.

However, water sprinkling over the haul-raods is equally important.

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.

OTR Tyre’s – Internal Transportation

Greetings !!

Transport of large-size tyres is extremely important, though often ignored by entrepreneurs or employees of services or warehouses. Fork-lifts are the most common and universal means of transferring/ transporting large-size tyres in warehouses or service centers. Because of its size, OTR tyre is a load which cause many problems with transportation. Therefore, it is extremely important to remember about all safety rules; and it is especially important to secure the transported tyre to avoid dangerous situations, such as the slippage of the tyre form fork-lift tines, which is a potential threat to the fork-lift’s operator, bystanders or the vehicle itself. The following actions will eliminate this incident from recurring:

1. Ensure the tyre can be safely carried by the fork-lift
2. If not fully supported by the fork-lift tines, the tyre needs to be restrained securely using appropriate tie-downs so it cannot move
3. Drive according to conditions, if the tyre obstructs the drivers view, then operate the fork-lift in reverse
4. If there are any doubts, stop and seek assistance from your supervisor

Content Copyright © 2009 – 2010 by Devesh Dabas. All rights reserved.