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Overview
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have become essential technologies in modern construction and heavy equipment operations. These systems provide real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, helping operators maintain optimal tire health, improve safety, and reduce operating costs. By continuously tracking tire conditions, TPMS help prevent blowouts, increase tire life, and enhance fuel efficiency across industrial machines such as loaders, haul trucks, excavators, and other off-the-road (OTR) equipment.
How TPMS Work
TPMS consist of sensors mounted on each tire’s valve or inside the tire casing, transmitting pressure and temperature data via radio frequency to in-cab receivers or fleet management systems. Data refresh intervals vary, commonly every 15–16 seconds, providing near real-time visibility. Advanced systems also offer alarms or alerts for abnormal pressure or temperature readings.
Two main types of TPMS exist:
A mining fleet equipped with TPMS reported significant operational improvements. Prior to installation, tire-related downtime averaged 15 hours per vehicle per month. After implementation, premature tire failures dropped by 60%, and operators were promptly alerted to barely noticeable pressure drops, allowing planned maintenance during scheduled downtime, improving overall fleet productivity.
Terminology
The adoption of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems in heavy construction and industrial vehicles significantly enhances operational safety, equipment uptime, and cost efficiency. With capabilities ranging from real-time alerts to integration with fleet telematics, TPMS has proven to be indispensable technology in managing tire health under the demanding conditions of mining, construction, and earthmoving. Choosing the right system and maintaining proper operational protocols can maximize benefits and contribute to safer, more sustainable fleet operations.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have become essential technologies in modern construction and heavy equipment operations. These systems provide real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, helping operators maintain optimal tire health, improve safety, and reduce operating costs. By continuously tracking tire conditions, TPMS help prevent blowouts, increase tire life, and enhance fuel efficiency across industrial machines such as loaders, haul trucks, excavators, and other off-the-road (OTR) equipment.
How TPMS Work
TPMS consist of sensors mounted on each tire’s valve or inside the tire casing, transmitting pressure and temperature data via radio frequency to in-cab receivers or fleet management systems. Data refresh intervals vary, commonly every 15–16 seconds, providing near real-time visibility. Advanced systems also offer alarms or alerts for abnormal pressure or temperature readings.
Two main types of TPMS exist:
- Direct TPMS: Uses physical sensors inside tires to measure pressure/temperature directly.
- Indirect TPMS: Relies on external sensors like wheel speed sensors and software algorithms to estimate tire condition.
- Independent monitoring of each tire for precise data.
- Detection of low pressure, high pressure, and excessive temperature.
- Wireless communication designed for harsh environments including mud, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
- Alarm systems displaying alerts visually and audibly inside operator cabins.
- Integration with telematics platforms for fleet-wide data management.
- Long-lasting sensor batteries designed for years of maintenance-free operation.
- Adjustable pressure thresholds matching operational requirements.
- Improved Safety: Early warning of tire issues prevents blowouts and accidents.
- Increased Machine Availability: Reduces unexpected downtime due to tire failures.
- Extended Tire Life: Proper inflation reduces wear and avoids premature tire replacements.
- Fuel Efficiency: Maintaining correct tire pressure lowers rolling resistance, cutting fuel consumption.
- Operational Cost Savings: Preventing tire damage and accidents reduces repair and replacement costs.
- Sustainability: Proper tire maintenance supports environmental goals by minimizing waste.
- Volvo Construction Equipment: Offers Load Assist with integrated TPMS providing continuous pressure and temperature monitoring.
- GCR Tires: Offers PressureStat™, a Bluetooth-enabled TPMS delivering instant tire health data accessible through mobile and desktop apps.
- Doran Manufacturing: Provides rugged 360HD™ TPMS designed specifically for commercial and industrial vehicles with fleet management integration.
- TireMoni and Others: Offer customizable systems for construction, agriculture, and mining equipment.
A mining fleet equipped with TPMS reported significant operational improvements. Prior to installation, tire-related downtime averaged 15 hours per vehicle per month. After implementation, premature tire failures dropped by 60%, and operators were promptly alerted to barely noticeable pressure drops, allowing planned maintenance during scheduled downtime, improving overall fleet productivity.
Terminology
- Rolling Resistance: The force resisting the motion of a tire rolling on a surface.
- Telematics: Technologies integrating telecommunications and informatics such as GPS and sensor data to manage fleet operations.
- Off-The-Road (OTR): Vehicles and equipment designed for non-paved, rough terrain use.
- Alarm Thresholds: Configurable pressure or temperature limits at which alerts activate.
- Sensor Battery Life: Duration sensors can operate before battery replacement is needed.
- Select TPMS compatible with your equipment size and tire types.
- Train operators to respond immediately to TPMS alerts.
- Integrate TPMS data into overall fleet management software for holistic asset oversight.
- Schedule regular calibration and maintenance of sensors.
- Use TPMS data to guide preventative tire maintenance and inventory planning.
The adoption of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems in heavy construction and industrial vehicles significantly enhances operational safety, equipment uptime, and cost efficiency. With capabilities ranging from real-time alerts to integration with fleet telematics, TPMS has proven to be indispensable technology in managing tire health under the demanding conditions of mining, construction, and earthmoving. Choosing the right system and maintaining proper operational protocols can maximize benefits and contribute to safer, more sustainable fleet operations.
