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4 questions about OTR tires

Selecting the correct off-the-road (OTR) tire can not only help the bottom line, but it can also have quite a few other benefits to your operation. 

Rock To Road Magazine spoke with Darrin Rousselle, regional sales manager with Kal Tire, about what companies should consider when making a purchase.

1. Why is the ability to retread so important?
Rousselle explains retreading a well-manufactured tire can save more than 50 per cent of the cost compared to buying a high-quality new tire.

“As more businesses consider sustainability in their purchase decisions, selecting a tire that can be retreaded will be even more important,” he adds. 

“The rubber used on our OTR retreads now contains up to 25 per cent of recycled rubber. The recycled rubber we use is sourced directly from the rubber we take off tires for retreading.” 

2. What questions should you ask before purchasing tires?
According to Rousselle, there are quite a few considerations when looking to purchase tires, but two key questions to ask are: what are the applications and equipment the tire will be used in, and what is the right tire for that job?

When speaking with servicing dealers, Rousselle says there are a few questions to consider.

“Does the servicing dealer have the right equipment, training and qualifications to be working on these tires? What breadth of tire supply does the service dealer have access to? Can the servicing dealer support our fleet requirements?”

3. Besides the financial benefits of a correct tire, what other benefits are there?
Rousselle notes that the correct tire offers protection for the operator. 

“The tread depth offers the tire protection against the hazards and environmental conditions, as well as the proper traction needed based on the ground conditions,” he explains. “Operators receive the proper amount of protection through proper tread depth.” 

As well, he says equipment using a tire designed and rated to carry the load and operate at necessary speeds will provide stability and comfort for the operator. 

4. How can companies extend the life of tires?
Companies should incorporate fleet surveys and site audits. Those which do will experience positive, lasting effects on its operations, Rousselle explains. 

As well, make sure to conduct frequent or scheduled air pressure checks and tire inspections. 

“Incorporate tire programs that can provide the right tire for the right application,” he says.