Choosing the right tyres allows you to improve the efficiency of your operations and reduce maintenance costs. This article covers the criteria for selecting tyres, the different types available, and the most reliable brands.
Practical tips for tyre maintenance and a detailed FAQ are also included. The goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and practical resource for your construction truck tyre needs.
Top dimension
Importance of tyres for construction trucks
On muddy, rocky, or sandy roads, the right choice of tyres allows the truck to complete its missions without hindrance.
Quality tyres improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping, thus facilitating the transport of heavy loads with better manoeuvrability.
Practical application: on a construction site
On a building construction site, standard tyres were used on trucks and construction equipment instead of specialised construction tyres. Designed for normal road conditions, these tyres did not withstand the rugged terrain littered with rubble, metal debris, and concrete pieces present on the site.
Consequences
Frequent punctures : In total, 37 punctures occurred over a period of 6 months , requiring tyre replacements.
Rapid wear : 65% of the tyres had to be replaced prematurely due to excessive wear, leading to additional costs.
Delays and downtime : Frequent interruptions to replace tyres not only delayed the project by 3 weeks but also incurred additional costs in lost work time for the immobilised workers.
Overall, the use of inappropriate tyres resulted in additional costs for this project, not to mention potential delay penalties.
Investing in tyres suited to construction conditions from the start would have avoided these unnecessary expenses.
Types of tyres for construction trucks
Choosing the right tyres for a construction truck requires an understanding of the different options available and their specificities. Here are the main types of tyres and their characteristics.
All-terrain tyres
These tyres are versatile and can handle a variety of surfaces, including dirt roads, gravel, and slightly muddy terrains. Their tread is designed to offer reliable traction in varied conditions without sacrificing on-road comfort.
Mud terrain tyres
Specifically designed for swampy terrains, these tyres have deeper and more spaced lugs. They effectively evacuate mud to maintain optimal grip. These tyres are ideal for sites where the ground is often wet or muddy.
Rocky terrain tyres
These tyres are reinforced to resist cuts and punctures caused by rocks and sharp debris. Their robust structure and aggressive tread allow for driving on rugged terrains without compromising safety.
Sandy terrain tyres
Tyres intended for sandy soils have a wide contact surface to avoid sinking into the sand. Their tread is designed to offer maximum traction on loose surfaces.
Criteria for selecting tyres for construction trucks
Choosing the right tyres for a construction truck requires attention to detailed figures and specific tolerances. Here are the key criteria to consider for making an informed choice.
Durability and longevity
The durability of tyres is often measured by the tread depth. For construction tyres, a minimum depth of 18 mm is recommended to ensure adequate wear resistance. The tyres should be able to cover at least 50,000 km in construction conditions without significant degradation. Durability indices, such as the rubber hardness index, can also provide indications on longevity.
Grip and traction
Grip is often evaluated by traction indices, such as the traction index AA , A, B or C . For construction sites, a traction index of A or higher is advised. The tyres should offer optimal traction, which translates to the ability to handle slopes of 10-15% without slipping. The tread design, with blocks of 20-25 mm , improves ground grip.
Load Capacity and Stability
The load capacity of tyres is determined by the load index. For construction trucks, a load index of at least 160 (4,500 kg per tyre) is necessary. The tyres must also ensure sufficient stability, with an appropriate speed rating, generally L (120 km/h), although the maximum speed on construction sites is often much lower.
Tips for Maintaining Construction Truck Tyres
Maintaining construction truck tyres is crucial to ensure their longevity and performance. Here are technical tips to keep your tyres in excellent condition.
Best Practices to Maximise Tyre Lifespan
- Tyre Pressure: Maintain tyre pressure at an optimal level. Under-inflation by 10% can reduce tyre lifespan by 15%, while over-inflation can cause uneven wear. Use a calibrated pressure gauge to check the pressure daily.
- Alignment and Balancing: Ensure that the tyres are properly aligned and balanced. Poor alignment can cause irregular wear and reduce tyre lifespan by 30%. Check alignment every 15,000 km or after any major vehicle intervention.
Importance of Regular Maintenance and Inspections
- Visual Inspections: Perform daily visual inspections to detect signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or cracks. Also, check the tread depth, which should not be less than 3 mm to ensure optimal traction.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the tyres to remove mud, stones, and other debris. Embedded materials can cause damage and premature wear.
- Valve Check: Check valve caps to prevent air leaks. Replace damaged caps immediately.
Tips to Avoid Premature Wear
- Load Monitoring: Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the tyres, indicated by the load index on the tyre sidewall. Overloading can cause tyre deformation and accelerated wear.
- Careful Driving: Adopt smooth driving, avoiding sudden accelerations and harsh braking. Sharp turns and abrupt manoeuvres increase tyre wear.
- Appropriate Use: Use tyres suited to the specific conditions of the construction site. For example, all-terrain tyres for mixed surfaces or specialised tyres for muddy terrains.
Solutions for Repairing Damaged Tyres
- Puncture Repair: For small punctures (up to 6 mm), use a repair kit that includes plugs and an insertion tool. These repairs are temporary and should be followed by a professional inspection.
- Replacement of Damaged Sections: For more significant damage, such as deep cuts or sidewall punctures, replacing the damaged section or the entire tyre is necessary. Always use certified replacement parts to ensure safety and performance.
By following these technical tips, you can maximise the lifespan of your construction truck tyres, improve safety, and reduce maintenance costs.
Our Best Tyres
Learn more
Learn more
Low fuel consumption.
Low fuel consumption.
Learn more
Learn more
Low rolling resistance and low fuel consumption.
Low rolling resistance and low fuel consumption.
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
Learn more
What to Do in Case of a Puncture or Cut on a Construction Tyre?
In the case of a minor puncture (up to 6 mm), you can use a temporary repair kit. For larger cuts or sidewall damage, it is recommended to replace the tyre. Always have repairs checked by a professional to ensure safety.
What is the Role of Tyre Alignment and Balancing?
Tyre alignment and balancing are essential to ensure even wear and stable driving. Poor alignment can cause premature and irregular wear, while imbalance can lead to vibrations and additional damage to vehicle components. Check these parameters regularly, especially after significant impacts or repairs.