ForConstructionPros.com

Tire selection determines, in part, how well your earthmoving equipment can do its job. And with more applications switching to radials, the number of options you have to choose from has increased, making selection a bit more complicated.

"In the past, construction was largely a bias market," says Cara Junkins, Titan. "Over time, radials have become more readily available. They give the end user another option. But he needs to know what his specific operation is and what his risks are, then decide which will be the best tire."

Today's newer equipment is also typically larger and more powerful, yet runs on the same size tires. "As the equipment gets more powerful, you get closer to the limit of that tire," notes Steve White, Michelin. "Making the right choice is in some regards more difficult, because you have to take that important factor into consideration."

Selecting the right tire is also important if you intend to implement a retread program. "A tire's casing is approximately 75% of the tire construction weight," says Roger Best, senior field engineer, Off Road, U.S. and Canada Commercial Tire Sales Division, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Consider choosing major tire brands when purchasing new tires, because major manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development of premium casings, which are likely to be better candidates for retreading."

Equipment type and travel needs
To ensure you make the right tire choices, start by matching to the equipment type. Off-road tires are classified as "E" for earthmovers such as scrapers and articulated or rigid dump trucks; "L" for loaders and dozers; and "G" for graders.