A Tire Must - In-House Prove Design Testing

The purpose of this paper is to focus attention on the earthmover tire problem, why it exists and what must be done to bring the tire up to the operating capability of the rest of the machine.

As the machine has been improved, it has become increasingly apparent that the rate of progress in development of earthmover tires has lagged behind that of the rest of the machine. The current rate of investment in research and development within the industry ensures that even greater problems can be expected in the future as a result of limitations which must be placed upon tire performance.

The methods employed in rating earthmover tires are not adequate, in view of the many variables encountered at the user's job site. The addition of the tmph rating system is helpful, but is not a total answer. The Tire and Rim Association's rating system is discussed. The need for in-house test capability in the form of “dynamometers” is only too apparent from an examination of failure records taken from user's job sites. In-house test facilities are the key to future success in the earthmover tire industry.