Tire Buying Guide for Construction Vehicles

Tires used on construction sites are not cheap, and there are several things you should consider before you go shopping. It is important to know which construction vehicles will be in use and how much of a load they will be carrying. Consider as well whether any of the vehicles will be used on the road as well as on-site.

Heavy Duty Tires

Construction vehicles are often needed to haul large loads of supplies to and from the site. A flat-bed or dump truck, for example, might need heavy duty tires to support the load and to provide sufficient traction on the street.

These tires are typically wider than what you would put on a passenger vehicle and are made of heavy-duty rubber that can withstand increased abuse. In some cases, you might have to purchase dual tires for certain types of vehicles, in which case you'll be adding more weight to the vehicle.

OTR Tires

Other construction vehicles will use OTR, or Off-The-Road tires. They are appropriate for many different types of machinery, including mobile cranes, backhoes, forklifts, and scrapers. These tires are extremely expensive and are designed for use over uneven, rough terrain, so your construction vehicles will be able to do their jobs with minimal interference.

According to OTR Tires Worldwide, OTR tires can be either radial or bias, though radial tires are increasing in popularity at construction sites all over the world. Some are designed to be heat-resistant or cut resistant, so it's important to know what types of conditions your construction vehicles will be operating in.

OTR tires are also referred to as earthmovers or earthmoving tires. You can find them at specialty tire stores and private dealers all over the U.S. Just keep in mind that it pays to conduct proper market research; consider several different suppliers before settling on one.

Re-Tread Tires

One way to save money on tires for construction vehicles is to buy re-tread tires, which might cut the price by as much as 50 percent. The offset, of course, is reduced lifespan, and a greater potential for breakdowns on the job. For a start-up construction company or a do-it-yourselfer, however, the price break can be worth it.

Before You Buy

Don't buy tires for construction sites before understanding how you will use them in practice. How far will the vehicles need to travel on a daily basis? How fast do they need to go? And over what kind of terrain will they travel? You can give your dealer these specifics so they can help you select the perfect model.