Increased demand for mined minerals & resources in the last decade has increased the demands on mining equipment to extract an ever-increasing volume of ore. While the operating conditions of mines have largely remained the same, the equipment being used is bigger, more efficient & capital intensive. This has led to an even greater need for failure-free performance from tyres.
Mining being a continuous, integrated cycle of different operational processes, the impact of tyre-related downtime leaving any equipment in the chain idle is reduced operational efficiency, higher costs & revenue loss.
Some specialist manufacturers now offer a range of Special Purpose Solid Tyres specifically designed for Side Discharge Loaders (SDL), Load Haul Dumpers (LHD), Low Platform Dump Trucks (LPDT), Shuttle Cars, Roof Bolters, Jumbo Drills, etc
Normally, these machines are fitted with pneumatic tyres that are prone to punctures & damage. This result in losses associated with frequent repair and replacement, downtime, and leads to additional inventory costs.
The use of solid tyres on construction, mining, and other specialised equipment is a relatively new phenomenon, which has been gaining acceptance as the benefits become more apparent.
Solid Tyres are puncture-proof and are made from highly wear resistant rubber compounds. This gives them a lifespan three to five times that of conventional pneumatic tyres thus reducing CPH (cost per hour). Solid tyres significantly improve occupational safety as there is no possibility of tyre blowout related accidents.
Typically, solid tyres have significantly deeper treads compared to pneumatic tyres e.g. the 17.5-25 super solid tyre has tread depth of 150 mm (6 inches) increasing wear volume, and thereby life span. Features such as sidewall apertures absorb shocks when moving over irregular surfaces and debris thereby providing a soft ride.
Durable construction provides customers with a reliable option that reduces expenses and time-losses incurred due to frequent tyre damage and replacement. Users benefit from a longer usage-cycle, reduced costs and wastage and a smoother frequency of operations.
Costs associated with puncture-related issues such as machine downtime, idle operator time and operational delays are automatically eliminated. Fewer replacements mean that costs associated with re-purchase, inventory and repair are significantly reduced. Solid tyres are therefore a viable cost-effective alternative for the customer to seriously consider.
