Pressure maintenance
Careful pressure maintenance saves time and money
How is the right tyre pressure determined?
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The maximum pressure for seating the tyre on the rim is indicated on the sidewall of the tyre. |
The tyre pressure is determined on the basis of the load to be carried and usage target. Machine-specific pressure recommendations are based on the most demanding usage conditions, as well as on the power and traction capacity of the machine. This ensures that the tyre functions normally even when the load is distributed unevenly between the tyres on steep slopes. In addition, we can offer tyre and tyre pressure recommendations relying on our extensive experience.
Complying with the pressure recommendation helps you ensure that your tyre achieves the planned service life.
How do I maintain the right pressure?
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| The maximum pressure of the tyre can be
found on the sidewall of the tyre. |
Good inflation pressure maintenance is the only way to ensure the tyre’s reliability in all situations. We recommend a visual check every day or whenever you work with the machine. You can also use the led-based pressure indicator that warns you with a flashing light when the tyre pressure is below the recommended level.
Tyre pressure should always be checked in vehicle service, such as oil change, even though the visual check gave no reason to suspect lowered pressure. Its hard to see pressure drop down from the sidewall of the sturdy forestry tyre.
A slowly starting leak can cause sidewall damage or initiate tube damage even before the pressure change is reflected in the driving properties.
Also remember to ensure that your pressure gauge is in good condition.
How does the pressure indicator work?
Tyre Pressure LED is a useful device that reduces the need to measure tyre pressure using a gauge. With the pressure indicator, it is impossible to miss the pressure drop.
The pressure indicator is a led light fitted in the tyre valve. If the tyre pressure of the forest machine drops by 0.6 bar, the light starts to flash. In order to ensure that the flashing light can be noticed at a glimpse. The black valve cap is replaced with white one so the flashing can be seen outside. This simple solution saves time and money! The pressure indicator will warn of dropping tyre pressure.
How can I get a pressure indicator for my tyres?
Contact Nokian Heavy Tyres’ customer service.
What happens if the tyre pressure is too low?
Low pressure can lead to sidewall damage and chafing against the rim. It can also cause the tyre to rotate on the rim or damage the tube. When working in cold conditions, you must remember that the air inside the tyre shrinks when it freezes, which lowers the tyre pressure. You can inflate the tyres to a slightly higher pressure for the winter season.
What happens if the tyre pressure is too high?
Excessively high pressure weakens the tyre’s puncture resistance, i.e. sharp puncture can penetrate the tyre more easily. Moreover, it deteriorates the tyre’s ability to rolling over cleats or obstacles: when passing over an obstacle, the tyre does not give in, which increases the vibration and shaking experienced by the machine operator.
When the tyre pressure is too high, it takes longer for the tyre to reach the operating temperature, and its service life shortens. Excessive pressure causes a similar burden to the tyre as overpressure in the hydraulic system. Furthermore, excess tyre pressure is also a safety risk. The maximum pressure defined by the manufacturer may only be exceeded slightly in order to adjust to cold weather!
Example: Forest tyre size 700/55-34, standard pressure 2.4 bar
Pressure down from the excessive 4.0 bar to the standard 2.4 bar
- 80% improvement in puncture resistance
- 50% improvement in “swallowing” ability
- With chains we recommend to use machinespecific inflation pressures.
- With tracks we recommend to use maximum inflation pressure of tyre.
- When transporting tyres it is recommended to reduce inflation pressure, due to safety reasons such as the fire explosion hazard.
- The pressure for seating on the rim is indicated on the sidewall of the tyre. When mounting the tyre on the rim, you must not exceed the pressure indicated on the label, 2.5 bar. If the tyre doesn’t seat on the rim, detach the tyre and rim from each other and find out the reason for the problem. The same point can also be stated as follows: ”Warning: never exceed 35 psi in seating beads”.
Find out why this happens. If the tube is leaking slowly, have the tyre fixed immediately in order to avoid greater damage.
What should I do if a tyre is damaged?
Try to prevent the damage from spreading, for example, by lightening the load. If the damage can be fixed, this should be done as soon as possible in order to achieve the tyre’s normal service life. Avoid driving on flat tyres. A puncture, for example, does not always leave a clear mark on the tyre, even though the tube was damaged. Try to find out the cause of the damage immediately. After the repair, make sure that there are no uneven spots inside the tyre or on the rim, because such spots make the tube vulnerable for
new damage.