Tire Stripping in Heavy Equipment: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

[MikePhua]

Tire stripping is a common and costly issue faced in heavy equipment usage, where the tread or layers of a tire peel away or get damaged, compromising performance and safety. This detailed article explores the causes, technical explanations, preventative measures, and practical solutions for tire stripping. It also shares illustrative stories and professional advice to help operators maintain their equipment tires in optimal condition.
Understanding Tire Stripping
Tire stripping refers to the damage or wear pattern in heavy equipment tires where chunks or layers of rubber separate from the tire tread or sidewalls. This can manifest as sections of tread peeling off, sidewall damage, or tread block loss, leading to reduced traction, increased risk of blowouts, and accelerated tire wear.
Technical Terminology

• Tread: The rubber surface of the tire that makes direct ground contact, designed with patterns for traction.
  
• Sidewall: The flexible vertical wall connecting the tread to the wheel rim.
  
• Bead: The edge of the tire that locks onto the wheel rim.
  
• Ply: Layers of fabric or steel cords embedded in rubber for structural strength.
  
• Tire Pressure: The inflation level inside the tire, crucial for maintaining shape and load-bearing capacity.
  
• Slip Rate: The degree of sliding between the tire and ground surface, contributing to wear.
  
• Rubber Delamination: Separation of the rubber layers from the tire carcass or ply.
  
• Overloading: Carrying loads beyond the tire’s rated capacity leading to stress and damage.
  
• Hydrocarbon Degradation: Chemical breakdown of tire rubber due to exposure to oils and fuels.
  

Common Causes of Tire Stripping

• Improper Tire Pressure: Both overinflation and underinflation cause abnormal tire wear. Overinflation concentrates wear on the tread center, while underinflation causes excessive flexing, heat buildup, and sidewall damage. Both conditions can lead to tread peeling or rubber delamination.
  
• Overloading: Exceeding the tire’s load capacity increases stress and slip, accelerating tread stripping.
  
• Sharp Turning, Starting, and Braking: Aggressive driving maneuvers impose high shear forces on tires, causing rubber blocks to chip or detach.
  
• Poor Terrain Conditions: Driving on rocky, abrasive, or uneven surfaces causes cuts, punctures, and abrasive wear that lead to stripping.
  
• Uneven Load Distribution and Wheel Alignment: Unequal pressure on tires causes uneven wear and premature stripping on one side.
  
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, UV radiation, oils, chemicals, and moisture deteriorates rubber integrity.
  
• Improper Maintenance and Handling: Damage during tire installation, removal, or improper storage can initiate structural failure causing stripping.
  

Practical Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Regular Tire Pressure Checks: Maintain inflation within manufacturer specifications, adjusting for ambient temperature changes. Use accurate tire gauges and consider Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for real-time data.
  
• Avoid Overloading: Ensure equipment is not overloaded; distribute loads evenly to avoid excess stress on tires.
  
• Gentle Operation: Minimize sharp turns, sudden stops, and fast starts to reduce shear forces on tires.
  
• Inspect Tires Daily: Check for cuts, cracks, sidewall bulges, and tread wear irregularities. Remove debris embedded in treads that can cut or damage rubber.
  
• Proper Alignment and Load Balancing: Regularly check and correct wheel alignment and suspension settings to ensure even tire wear.
  
• Careful Tire Handling: Use recommended tools and techniques when mounting or dismounting tires to prevent bead and ply damage.
  
• Storage Best Practices: Store tires in cool, dry, shaded environments away from chemicals and direct sunlight to prevent rubber degradation.
  

Additional Parameters and Solutions

• Use tires designed for specific operating conditions (e.g., rock tires for rocky terrain, agricultural tires for fields).
  
• Rotate tires regularly to even out wear patterns.
  
• Employ rubber sealants or protective coatings to reduce cuts and punctures.
  
• When stripping occurs beyond repair, replace tires with OEM or high-quality alternatives rather than patching extensively.
  
• Maintain hydraulic systems and other equipment components that can leak damaging fluids onto tires.
  

Illustrative Stories and News
A heavy equipment operator once faced recurring tire stripping on a wheel loader working in a limestone quarry. Despite frequent replacements, stripping returned quickly. Upon investigation, it was found the operator routinely performed sharp turns with full load and ran tires underinflated to "soften ride." After retraining on proper tire care and pressure, the stripping was significantly reduced, extending tire life.
In a recent industry case, a construction company adopted TPMS across its fleet, immediately detecting underinflated tires and avoiding premature stripping. The investment paid off in operational savings within months.
Summary of Tire Stripping Causes and Prevention

• Improper tire pressure management
  
• Overloading and uneven loads
  
• Aggressive driving maneuvers
  
• Harsh terrain and environmental exposure
  
• Poor maintenance and handling practices
  

Recommendations

• Set up regular tire inspection protocols.
  
• Invest in TPMS technology for proactive tire management.
  
• Train operators on tire care and gentle handling strategies.
  
• Select tires suited for operating conditions.
  
• Store tires properly when not in use.
  

Keeping heavy equipment tires in optimal condition through proactive maintenance and cautious operation reduces tire stripping, enhancing safety, lowering repair costs, and maximizing equipment uptime.