A few simple maintenance routines can extend the life of your skid steer tires dramatically.
Clean your Tires
Hose down your tires routinely
so they are easy to inspect. Look for bubbles, bumps, cracks, and
anything that might be lodged in the rubber.
Check the Tread
A quick visual inspection will
also reveal any uneven wear. On skid steers, one set of tires may wear
faster (the front or rear), depending on how they are operated. Rotate
the tires as soon as you notice any uneven wear, which will extend the
life of all four tires.
Operate with All Four Tires Engaged
There is less
wear on the tires and the machine when the skid steer is operated with
all four tires engaged on the ground. When the bucket is too far beneath
a load, the front tires may lift slightly off the ground, placing
stress on the back tires.
Keep the Tires on the Ground
Skid steer tires are
designed for operation on ground, not on road surfaces. Consequently,
the tires will wear out faster when they are driven on roads rather than
on the ground.
Watch for Debris
Skid steers are operating in
areas that are often full of debris. Drive carefully and avoid litter.
Pneumatic tires can go flat, and foam-filled tires can leak if
punctured.
Protect the Rims
Avoid popping off retaining
rims, which can occur by catching the rim on an object. It’s inexpensive
to replace a rim, but the downtime associated with unnecessary
maintenance can be quite expensive. Look for tires with rim protectors
built into the design.
Monitor the Pressure
With pneumatic tires, if the
tire pressure is too low, you will waste fuel, and if it’s too high,
you increase the chance of flats. In either case, uneven wear can
result. Keep a reliable tire gauge handy and check the pressure every
day or once a week, depending on how often you are operating the skid
steer. Check your owner’s manual for the acceptable tire pressure range.
Store Properly
Constant exposure to sunlight can cause tires to expand and crack. Store tires in a cool, dry place.
Buy Consistent Brands
Avoid installing different
brands or models of tires on the same machine. Each brand has its own
distinct design and combining brands can cause uneven wear on both your
tires and your skid steer.