How Bad SKID STEER Tires Can Cost You $18,000 Or More
Bad tires put extra strain on your skid steer transmission, which can cause a breakdown and/or shorten the life of the skid steer. Worn out tires also put excessive pressure on the skid steer axle, which can lead to expensive damage. Faulty tires can cause more than $18,000 in repair expenses over time.
Tires are one of the most critical components of a skid steer because they act as shock absorbers for the truck and the operator. As the tires wear down, capacity and stability decrease. A rough-riding skid steer is uncomfortable for the operator and can cause them to lose control of the machine. Also, with each inch of wear, the skid steer drops closer to the driving surface, which increases the chance for some part of the truck to collide with an obstruction on the ground.
How to Inspect Skid Steer Tires:
Identifying damaged or worn out skid steer tires before they become a problem is the best way to prevent expensive repairs. Here's what operators should look for during their pre-shift inspections:
Check the Wear Line.
Most skid steer tires have a wear line.
When the wear on a skid steer's tire reaches that line, the tire should be replaced.
Chunking
This one is self-explanatory.
If the operator notices pieces of the tire falling off or tearing, it’s time to get a new tire.
Skid Steer Tire Tips
Uneven Wear
Uneven wear can indicate an undetected issue. Contact a skid steer repair technician for an inspection of the tires and the skid steer overall.
