On-site quick replacement methods for loader tires

Loaders often experience tire blowouts when operating on harsh construction sites, such as rocky surfaces. Because the front wheels bear the load, steering and driving functions, and first come into contact with foreign objects on the ground, they are more likely to have a blowout. The tires of loaders are relatively heavy. Moreover, due to the limitations of the site and tools, it is time-consuming and laborious to replace the front tires on site. The author's workplace has a large number of loaders and often operates in open-pit mining areas. Tire blowouts occur from time to time. After years of practice, a simple and quick method for replacing the front tires of loaders has been explored. The specific method is as follows: Loaders often experience tire blowouts when operating in harsh construction sites (such as rocky surfaces). Because the front wheels bear the load, steering and driving functions, and first come into contact with foreign objects on the ground, they are more likely to have a blowout. The tires of loaders are relatively heavy. Moreover, due to the limitations of the site and tools, it is time-consuming and laborious to replace the front tires on site. The author's workplace has a large number of loaders and often operates in open-pit mining areas, with tire blowouts happening from time to time. After years of practice, a simple and quick method for replacing the front tires of loaders has been explored, as follows:

(1) Start the machine, find a relatively flat and open area nearby, press down the boom lifting rod, use the boom support to lift the front wheels off the ground, then use the bracket to support the side of the flash axle close to the blowout tire, and wedge the rear wheels well (it is necessary to closely cooperate with the driver to avoid personal injury).

(2) Use tools such as crowbars to remove the retaining ring and lock ring, and then check whether the tire gasket is adhered to the outer surface of the rim (if the tire has been in use for a long time, the gasket may adhere to the outer surface of the rim). If it occurs, the support can be removed and the machine can run slowly back and forth over a short distance until the gasket separates from the outer surface of the rim. Do not turn or drive at high speed to avoid damaging the inner tube. Then, the front wheels were supported again.

(3) Mark the relative positions of the inner and outer tires to facilitate the search for, removal of foreign objects and tire repair.

(4) Use tools such as crowbars to remove the tire from the rim. Note that the movements should be gentle and the coordination should be perfect to avoid being hit by the tires and to protect the valve stems well.

(5) If the outer tire is punctured by long and thin foreign objects such as nails, and there is no obvious wound on the surface or the wound is small, the other tire can still be used (because the tires of loaders are low-pressure tires and their running speed is relatively slow). If the wound is large, it must be repaired (because when the machine is running, the tire is subjected to compression and friction. Over time, the inner tube will be damaged, and even the wound may become larger and larger, causing the inner tube to protrude, resulting in the tire being scrapped).

(6) If it is a new inner tube, the bolts at the bottom of the valve stem must be tightened to prevent air leakage. Then remove the foreign objects in the inner cavity of the outer tire and sprinkle an appropriate amount of talcum powder, spreading it evenly. To ensure that the gasket is in close contact with the inner and outer tires, the inner tube should be inflated appropriately after installation before the gasket is inserted.

(7) Mount the tire onto the rim, and install the lock ring and retaining ring. During the installation process, the valve stems should be well protected.

(8) Use the vehicle-mounted air compressor to inflate the tires.

(9) Press down the boom lifting rod and remove the bracket. The tire change is now complete and the entire process takes approximately 50 minutes.

When replacing the rear tire, another loader or other lifting equipment is needed to assist in supporting the rear tire. The other procedures are the same as those for replacing the front tire. (1) Start the machine, find a relatively flat and open area nearby, press down the boom lifting rod, use the boom support to lift the front wheels off the ground, then use the bracket to support the side of the flash axle close to the blowout tire, and wedge the rear wheels well (it is necessary to closely cooperate with the driver to avoid personal injury).

(2) Use tools such as crowbars to remove the retaining ring and lock ring, and then check whether the tire gasket is adhered to the outer surface of the rim (if the tire has been in use for a long time, the gasket may adhere to the outer surface of the rim). If it occurs, the support can be removed and the machine can run slowly back and forth over a short distance until the gasket separates from the outer surface of the rim. Do not turn or drive at high speed to avoid damaging the inner tube. Then, the front wheels were supported again.

(3) Mark the relative positions of the inner and outer tires to facilitate the search for, removal of foreign objects and tire repair.

(4) Use tools such as crowbars to remove the tire from the rim. Note that the movements should be gentle and the coordination should be perfect to avoid being hit by the tires and to protect the valve stems well.

(5) If the outer tire is punctured by long and thin foreign objects such as nails, and there is no obvious wound on the surface or the wound is small, the other tire can still be used (because the tires of loaders are low-pressure tires and their running speed is relatively slow). If the wound is large, it must be repaired (because when the machine is running, the tire is subjected to compression and friction. Over time, the inner tube will be damaged, and even the wound may become larger and larger, causing the inner tube to protrude, resulting in the tire being scrapped).

(6) If it is a new inner tube, the bolts at the bottom of the valve stem must be tightened to prevent air leakage. Then remove the foreign objects in the inner cavity of the outer tire and sprinkle an appropriate amount of talcum powder, spreading it evenly. To ensure that the gasket is in close contact with the inner and outer tires, the inner tube should be inflated appropriately after installation before the gasket is inserted.

(7) Mount the tire onto the rim, and install the lock ring and retaining ring. During the installation process, the valve stems should be well protected.

(8) Use the vehicle-mounted air compressor to inflate the tires.

(9) Press down the boom lifting rod and remove the bracket. The tire change is now complete and the entire process takes approximately 50 minutes.

When replacing the rear tire, another loader or other lifting equipment is needed to assist in supporting the rear tire. The other procedures are the same as those for replacing the front tire.