On heavy equipment, tires are the basis for safe and comfortable running. Different work environments require different types of tires. Different terrains have different tires to cope with. The tires used in the mine, the work site or the farmlands are definitely different. Prices will naturally vary. Next, when do the tires need to be replaced？ How much does tire replacement cost? Let’s talk about.
Risk of Not Replacing Tires
For heavy equipment, not replacing tires in time can pose a serious risk. Wear or damage to tires not only affects the grip and handling performance of the equipment but can also lead to slippage during operation, rollover, or failure to smoothly pass rough sections, directly threatening operator safety. At the same time, old tires will increase the vibration and impact of the equipment, which in the long run will easily cause damage to key components such as the suspension and transmission system, increasing the cost of repair. Worse still, sudden tire failure under critical operating conditions not only delays the progress of the project but can also delay the entire project and cause huge economic losses.
Factors Affecting Tire Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a tire will depend on several conditions. Knowing the various factors of tire prices, not only choose suitable tires, but also find savings.
Tire Size
The most intuitive is the size. That’s true for almost everything, and the bigger it is, the more expensive it is. The rubber, steel-ribbed belt layers required for large-size tires, and the complex engineering design, all make the price higher.
- Small Equipment (e.g., Skid Steer): A tire might cost anywhere from $200 to $800.
- Medium Equipment (e.g., Backhoe, Small Loader): You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,500 per tire.
- Large Equipment (e.g., Articulated Dump Truck, Grader): Costs often range from $4,000 to $15,000 per tire.
- Giant Equipment (e.g., Large Mining Haul Truck): These specialized tires are a massive investment, with prices starting around $25,000 and easily exceeding $75,000 for a single tire.
Tire Structure
The tyre has two internal structures: Radial and Bias tires. The fabric cords of the Bias tires are cross-arranged, while the fabric cords of the Radial tires are vertically arranged. So in comparison, Bias tires have a harder wall and stronger support. Bias tires are more appropriate if your device is carrying heavy loads or always going to places with rough ground. Radial tires have softer walls. It’s more comfortable to operate. Both structures have their advantages and disadvantages. Choose the most suitable one according to the actual situation.
- Radial Tire: In a radial tire, the fabric cords run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Steel belts are layered underneath the tread. It has better heat dissipation — that’s crucial for long hauls. It also gives the operator a smoother ride, has a longer tread life, and lower rolling resistance. That lower rolling resistance helps improve fuel efficiency. This tire works great for haul trucks, loaders, and graders. Generally, a radial tire is 20-35% more expensive than a comparable bias tire.
- Bias Tire: In a bias tire, the plies are laid in a crisscross pattern. They’re set at a 30-45 degree angle to the direction of travel. The sidewall and tread aren’t independent of each other. This tire has extremely tough and durable sidewalls. They’re resistant to cuts and punctures. It also offers better stability on uneven ground, and it has a lower initial purchase price. It’s perfect for slower-moving equipment. That equipment works in extremely rough, debris-filled environments, like scrap yards, demolition sites, or rough quarries. And on top of that, it’s more affordable upfront.
TRA Code
The TRA (Tire and Rim Association) code is a standardized lettering system. It tells you what the tire was designed for. This code directly impacts how the tire performs and how much it costs. The letter in the code stands for the machine type. The number shows the tread depth and tread type. There are 4 TRA types and 6 different tread depths:
- C = Compactor
- G = Grader
- E = Earthmoving
- L = Loader
- 1 = Ribbed (normal tread depth)
- 2 = Traction (normal tread depth)
- 3 = Normal (normal tread depth)
- 4 = Deep (deep tread depth)
- 5 = Very deep (very deep tread depth)
- 7 = Flotation (normal tread depth)
Take a tire with a deeper, more aggressive tread pattern — like an L-5 rock tread, for example. It will be more expensive than a standard tread, such as an L-3. So choosing the right TRA code is essential. It helps you get the performance and lifespan you expect from the tire.
Brand
Mainstream OEM tire brands have large investments and good reputations, but also high prices. However, the market for high-quality aftermarket tires is now well established. Reliable aftermarket tires, performance is completely comparable to mainstream brands, sometimes even better. They find a balance in durability, reliability and price. Choosing the right aftermarket tires can reduce tire replacement cost without sacrificing safety and performance. For many teams, this is a really smart choice.
Installation Costs
This is the part of the total cost that gets overlooked most often. Replacing a tire on heavy machinery isn’t a DIY job. It’s a complex, dangerous, and expensive service to get done.
- Specialized labor: You need a team of certified technicians. These technicians are trained to handle high-pressure tires and heavy components safely. And the labor rates for these specialists are pretty high.
- Specialized equipment: The tire replacement process needs a service truck with a crane. It also requires a tire handler machine to move the tire around. Plus, you need hydraulic torque wrenches and a steel safety cage for inflation. The cost of all this equipment is built into the service fee.
Know When to Replace Tires
Even with the best tire maintenance and careful use, you will eventually need to change tires on your machine. Look for signs of these worn tires that need to be replaced. Knowing the right time to change your tires will save you money and increase productivity.
Critical Tread Loss
As the tire wears out, the tire reaches a point where it cannot provide safe grip and stability under certain conditions. At the same time, the operator cannot control the critical level of the equipment properly. Once the tires lose enough tread, they become dangerous in your construction site conditions; replace them.
Damage from Underinflation
If the tire is operated at or below 20% the recommended tire pressure, it shall be immediately withdrawn from service. Even if re-inflated, the internal structure of the tire may already be damaged, with a high risk of puncture under load.
Visible Damage
It’s better to check regularly. The following situations require an immediate tire change.
- Cut, crack or bulge, especially on the side of the fetus.
- Bare carcass ply or steel-ribbon belt.
- Any piercing that cannot be professionally patched to industry standards.
- A deflated tire that cannot maintain air pressure. In the case of heavy
- machinery, quick patching is no safe course.
How to Increase Tire Lifespan?
Getting more hours out of every tire is the most effective way to lower your long-term costs — and proper maintenance and good operation are the keys to making that happen.
- Maintain Correct Inflation Pressure: Too high or too low a tire pressure can hurt the tire. Even if it is only 10% lower, tire life may be reduced by 15%. When checking the tire pressure, be sure to use the calibrated tire pressure gauge and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s suggestions and actual load, so that the tire can be more durable and safer.
- Don’t Exceed Load Capacities: Each tire has its own maximum load. If the machine is always overloaded, the tires have to be held up all the time. Not only is the pressure high, but they will also overheat and grind faster. Be sure to make the load limit of the machine clear to the operator, especially when loading heavy accessories, and don’t accidentally overtake the tires.
- Rotate Tires Strategically: Like a car, tires for heavy equipment wear differently because of their location. Like wheel loaders, the front wheels are usually easier to grind than the rear wheels. Rotating tire positions regularly can make wear more even and also make the whole set last longer.
- Promote Good Operator Habits: Operators should not let the wheels spin, make sharp turns at high speeds, or hit kerbs or obstacles. Smooth driving.
- Keep the Site Clean: Try to clean the pointed stones and debris on the transportation pavement and the work area to keep the road condition flat. One less sharp object on the road is one less risk of getting a tire pricked.
Conclusion
Tire prices vary widely, even for the same brand, as size requirements and vehicle type can significantly impact the final cost. Let FridayParts help you get the tires your fleet needs. Use the right tires to improve overall efficiency on site. Contact us for more information about buying tires or getting any other parts for your equipment.
FAQs
What does construction mean on tires?
For OTR tires, “construction” just means the tire’s internal design and how it’s made. It’s not about what they’re used for, like “tires for construction sites”, it’s about the engineering idea. It affects how the tire handles stress, gets rid of heat, and stays undamaged. The main construction types are Radial and Bias. Each has a different build, so they work well for different off-road jobs.
What is the best construction tire type?
There’s no one “best” type—what works best totally depends on what you’re using the tires for.
- Go with Radial if: Your machines drive long distances, you want better fuel economy, or operator comfort matters a lot. They’re great for haul trucks and graders.
- Pick Bias if: Your machines work in super tough, bumpy terrain, go slow, or have a high chance of sidewall cuts. They’re perfect for some loaders, dozers, and scrap yard equipment.
What is TRA?
In order to simplify the selection process, each construction tire is classified by TRA Type. The TRA code means classification and tread depth. For example, a TRA of L3 means that the tire is a loader-specific tire with a level 3 tread depth. Note that the higher the TRA code level, the greater the tire tread depth.
