Selecting the right tire for your off-the-road (OTR) equipment can be complicated. Because of their size, weight, and application, OTR vehicles need tires that are up for the job, playing an essential role in performance, efficiency, and most importantly, safety.
The goal of this blog is to help you better understand OTR tire types and sizes so that you can make an informed decision when you need a new set of tires.
• What are OTR Tires?
• OTR Tire Construction Types
• How Do You Read OTR Tire Sizes?
• Meeting Your OTR Equipment’s Specifications
• OTR Tire Maintenance and Inspections
• Choosing the Right OTR Tires
OTR tires are specifically manufactured for vehicles that work on challenging terrain. Designed to hold substantial weight, these tires support off-the-road vehicles through conditions that would immobilize many other trucks.
OTR tires can be found in three different construction types:
1. Bias OTR Tires: This type has cross-layered rubber plies, with cords crisscrossing from bead to bead across the tread. The overlapped plies create a thick structure that’s less flexible and able to hold more weight.
2. Belted Bias OTR Tires: Similar to bias OTR tires, this construction type tends to have two or more additional cross-ply layers with steel or corded stabilizing belts underneath the tread.
3. Radial OTR Tires: Like bias construction types, radial tires have cords that stretch from bead to bead across the tread. However, the cords run parallel instead of crisscrossing, resulting in a strong tire that is also very flexible.
Which type of OTR tire is best for your vehicle depends largely on your application. Bias and belted bias OTR tire construction types are good for vehicles that travel at slower speeds, while radial OTR tires are good for trucks that need to travel at higher speeds.
Understanding OTR tire sizes may seem confusing, but we promise it’s not as complicated as you might assume. You should be able to find all the information you need on your tire’s sidewall and it will probably look something like “26.5R25.”
OTR tire sizes typically include three pieces of information in this order: tire width, tire construction type (or aspect ratio), and the rim’s diameter. Using the example from above, here’s what we can learn:
• The width of the tire is 26.5 inches.
• The construction type is “R” for radial.
• The rim’s diameter is 25 inches.
Factors such as the speed rating, load-carrying capacity, and operating terrain can all impact what type of tire your vehicle needs. Fortunately, OTR vehicles come with manufacturer guidelines that identify the correct tire sizes necessary for your specific model. Because the wrong tire size can cause reduced traction, stability issues, and other safety hazards, it’s always important to consult your manufacturer's recommendations.
Make sure to choose a tire size and type that can properly handle the demands of your job without risking safety or performance.
Once you’ve found the right OTR tires, extending their lifespan is as simple as proper maintenance and regular inspections. At Wonderland Tire, we offer onsite and in-store OTR tire services to ensure that all of your tires are in good condition, properly maintained, and compliant with safety and performance standards.
• Air pressure checks - We check and adjust tire pressures to ensure they are at the recommended levels. Proper inflation is crucial for tire longevity, fuel efficiency, and safety.
• Tire condition checks - We inspect the tires for signs of wear and damage, such as tread depth, cuts, punctures, bulges, or other irregularities. The goal is to identify and address potential issues before they become safety hazards.
• Tread depth checks - We measure and record the tread depth of each tire to assess their remaining life and compliance with legal minimum tread depth requirements.
• Replacement of worn or damaged tires - We identify tires that are no longer safe or suitable for use and recommend replacement.
• Tire rotation - We evaluate whether your tires are rotated regularly to promote even wear and perform rotations if needed.
• Tire age checks - We determine the age of your tires, as older tires may be more susceptible to issues like dry rot and decreased performance.
Wonderland Tire understands that deciding on the right set of OTR tires can be complicated because there are several technical aspects to consider. If you are still uncertain as to which tires are right for you, don’t hesitate to contact your local Wonderland Tire! You can trust our experienced team to help you pick the right tires for your terrain and equipment.
Wonderland Tire carries well-respected brands for all your heavy equipment and construction equipment needs to help you get the job done. We will get you back up and running in no time!
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