Tires are an afterthought to some contractors and skid steer operators. They take them for granted, don’t maintain them properly, and yell and scream when a flat tire causes one of their machines to go down and they lose productivity. Many times, however, these problems are completely avoidable through proper tire maintenance.

Contractors who take care of their tires can see the results in increased profits because their machines aren’t offline. A more comfortable ride equates to a more productive employee, not to mention that maintained tires are safer.

Michael Ford, market segment manager for Michelin North America’s Earthmover division, has some advice for contractors looking to keep their tires for skid steers and/or compact tractors in top shape.

“There are several things an operator can do to maximize the tire’s life,” says Ford. “The most important steps are to select the best tire for the application, run the manufacturer’s recommended air pressures and follow a recommended tire maintenance schedule. Making sure your machine operators are properly trained and that hazards around the worksite are minimized are two other, often overlooked, steps that will make a big difference in maximizing the life of your tires.”

Ford suggests a daily, weekly, quarterly and annual maintenance routine for skid steer tires. “Small construction tires can be relatively simple to maintain if the operator follows the basic rules: Check tire pressures weekly and always at the start of a work shift to ensure the pressure readings are correct, always have valve caps in place, and ensure that tire rims are in proper working condition.”

 The estimated industry average for skid steer tread life is between 400-600 hours, depending on the application, operator skill and tire maintenance schedule. Abrasive surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, and work areas with severe hazards, such as waste transfer, demolition and metal recycling, will result in faster worn tires. That’s why it’s important to choose the correct tire for your skid steer.

“The main options center around traction versus protection,” Ford says. “Entry-level priced tires are traction oriented with little protection in the sidewall or tread. As price increases, so does the amount of sidewall and tread face protection while maintaining traction.

“The way your skid steer is running can tell you a lot about your tires. If the tires are over-inflated, the machine will bounce like a basketball and be difficult to control. If the tires are under-inflated, the machine will feel unstable when the loader arms are lifted to full height."

So what can an operator do to ensure he is getting the most out of his tires? The answer is simple: Evaluate tire wear on a routine basis. “There are two areas to look at when evaluating tire wear: the tread and the sidewall,” says Ford. “Look for signs of cutting, chunking, punctures, and rubber tearing. This will help you to determine if the tire is properly inflated and/or matched to the application. Also, measure the tread depth on a weekly or monthly basis by using a ruler or tread depth gauge to determine the average wear rate. Compare this wear rate to other tires and machines. “And always remember that if you work on your own tires the most critical element is to ensure the tire is fully deflated before working on the tire. After removing the valve cap and valve core to deflate the tire, continue to ensure the valve is free of obstructions so that the air inside can fully deflate.”

But what about those that still don’t take tire maintenance seriously? “If proper tire maintenance is not a priority, an operator is virtually guaranteeing he will reduce the tire’s tread life, increase the likelihood of tire-related failures (punctures, run flat, etc.), reduce the machine’s productivity, and unnecessarily cost the company money,” says Ford. “Not only do you have to pay to repair or replace the tire, but you lose the productivity of that machine, which also costs your company money.