By: Randall Scott, Mining Solutions Inc.
Inflation pressure is the single most important factor relating to tire performance. As a past field technician, now consultant, I see tire pressure continues to be neglected by many end users, despite major tire manufacturers investing millions of dollars into research and development. This paper presents reference information provided by major tire manufacturers, and the initial findings from a field study that shows evidence of the relationship between inflation pressure, and load distribution in a dual pair of Haul Truck tires. The results of this initial study will show a distortion in load distribution between a dual pair of tires as high as Twenty One metric tons.. Safety and extended tire performance provided me with the motivation to research and source a solution to an uneven pressure, distribution situation. I now find myself testing and researching several dual tire pressure equalization devices that with further testing and development will provide a total solution to distortion in load distribution relating to pressure within a dual pair of tires. This type of device is not new to the industry, however it is my opinion that such devices would be of great benefit to the mining industry and the like.