8 hours ago
Retread vs. New Tire Economics
When outfitting a Volvo A35 articulated haul truck, tire selection becomes a high-stakes decision. With new tires priced around CAD 9,500 and retreads offered at CAD 4,500, the cost difference is substantial. For fleets operating in rocky terrain or short-haul mining, retreads may seem attractive—but performance, longevity, and safety must be weighed carefully.
Retreaded tires are built by removing the worn tread from a used casing and applying a new tread layer using heat and pressure. The process is regulated and widely used in commercial trucking, but its application in off-road haul trucks is more nuanced.
Key Considerations Before Choosing Retreads
While retreads can perform well in controlled conditions, they may not match the durability of new tires in harsh environments. In one Canadian quarry, a fleet manager reported that retreads lasted 60–70% as long as new tires but cost less than half. However, he also noted increased downtime due to sidewall failures and reduced traction on wet rock.
New tires from brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear offer advanced tread designs, reinforced sidewalls, and proprietary compounds tailored for mining and earthmoving. These features improve grip, reduce heat buildup, and extend service life—especially in high-speed haul cycles.
Recommendations for Fleet Managers
Retread tires can offer significant savings for Volvo A35 haul trucks, but only when matched to the right conditions and supported by rigorous inspection. For operations prioritizing uptime and safety, new tires remain the gold standard. For budget-conscious fleets with controlled routes, retreads may be a viable option—if chosen and monitored carefully.
When outfitting a Volvo A35 articulated haul truck, tire selection becomes a high-stakes decision. With new tires priced around CAD 9,500 and retreads offered at CAD 4,500, the cost difference is substantial. For fleets operating in rocky terrain or short-haul mining, retreads may seem attractive—but performance, longevity, and safety must be weighed carefully.
Retreaded tires are built by removing the worn tread from a used casing and applying a new tread layer using heat and pressure. The process is regulated and widely used in commercial trucking, but its application in off-road haul trucks is more nuanced.
Key Considerations Before Choosing Retreads
- Casing Integrity: The success of a retread depends on the quality of the original casing. If the casing has unseen damage—such as sidewall fatigue or internal separation—the retread may fail prematurely.
- Tread Compound: Retread manufacturers offer different compounds for cut resistance, heat dissipation, and traction. Choosing the wrong compound for rocky or abrasive terrain can lead to chunking or delamination.
- Load Rating: Ensure the retread maintains the original tire’s load rating. A Volvo A35 typically carries up to 35 metric tons, and tire failure under load can be catastrophic.
- Warranty and Support: Reputable retreaders offer limited warranties. Always confirm coverage terms, especially for off-road use.
- Retread: A tire rebuilt by bonding new tread onto a used casing.
- Chunking: The tearing or flaking of tread blocks under stress.
- Delamination: Separation of tread from casing, often due to heat or poor bonding.
- Load Rating: Maximum weight a tire can safely support at a given pressure.
While retreads can perform well in controlled conditions, they may not match the durability of new tires in harsh environments. In one Canadian quarry, a fleet manager reported that retreads lasted 60–70% as long as new tires but cost less than half. However, he also noted increased downtime due to sidewall failures and reduced traction on wet rock.
New tires from brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear offer advanced tread designs, reinforced sidewalls, and proprietary compounds tailored for mining and earthmoving. These features improve grip, reduce heat buildup, and extend service life—especially in high-speed haul cycles.
Recommendations for Fleet Managers
- Use retreads only on trucks operating in low-speed, short-haul conditions.
- Avoid retreads on lead trucks or units working near highwalls or drop zones.
- Inspect casings thoroughly before retreading; reject any with sidewall damage or exposed cords.
- Track tire performance using hour meters and load logs to compare cost per hour.
Retread tires can offer significant savings for Volvo A35 haul trucks, but only when matched to the right conditions and supported by rigorous inspection. For operations prioritizing uptime and safety, new tires remain the gold standard. For budget-conscious fleets with controlled routes, retreads may be a viable option—if chosen and monitored carefully.
