Tires - Komatsu HD1500-7 Operation & Maintenance Manual

Safety - Section 20
Page 20-14

TIRES

Tire Maintenance
If the proper tires are not used for the mine condi-
tions, the tires may overheat and burst. Improper tire
usage can also lead to cuts from sharp stones result-
ing in bursting tires. This may lead to serious injury or
damage.
To maintain tire safety, always adhere to the following
conditions:
• Inflate the tires to the specified pressure.
Abnormal heat is generated particularly when the
inflation pressure is too low.
• Use the specified tires.
The tire inflation pressure and permissible speeds
are general values. The actual values may differ
depending on the type of tire and operating condi-
tions. For details, please consult the tire manufac-
turer.
When tires become hot, a flammable gas is produced
inside the tire, and may ignite. It is particularly dan-
gerous if the tires become overheated while the tires
are pressurized. If the gas generated inside the tire
ignites, the internal pressure will suddenly rise, and
the tire will explode, resulting in danger to personnel
in the area. Explosions differ from punctures or tire
bursts because the destructive force is extremely
high. Therefore, the following actions are strictly pro-
hibited when the tire is pressurized:
• Welding the rim
• Welding near the wheel or tire.
• Smoking or creating
flames
If the proper maintenance procedures are not used,
the tire may burst and cause serious injury or dam-
age. When performing tire/wheel maintenance, con-
sult your authorized regional Komatsu distributor, or
the tire manufacturer for questions regarding tire
safety.
open
Refer to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE),
SAE J1337, Off-Road Rim Maintenance Procedures
and Service Precautions, Section 4.2 for additional
information on demounting the tires and rim assem-
blies. Also, refer to Section 4.4 of SAE J1337 for
assembly and inflation recommendations.
The U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) addresses tire repairs in its Title
30 Code of Federal Regulations, 30 CFR 57.14104.
DO NOT stand in front of a rim and locking ring
when inflating a tire mounted on the machine.
Observers must not be permitted in the area.
DO NOT weld or heat the rim assembly with the tire
mounted on the rim. Resulting gases inside the tire
may ignite, causing explosion of the tire and rim.
Storing Tires After Removal
• As a basic rule, store the tires in a warehouse
that unauthorized persons cannot enter. If the
tires are stored outside, erect a barrier around
the tires. Install a warning sign that young
children can understand.
• Stand the tire on level ground. Block the tire
securely so that it cannot roll or fall over.
• If the tire should fall over, flee the area quickly.
Tires for mining equipment are extremely heavy.
Never attempt to hold or support the tire.
Attempting to hold or support a tire may lead to
serious injury.
Mounted tires stored as spares must be inflated to
the minimum inflation pressure necessary to keep
the tire beads properly seated. Maximum inflation
pressure of the stored tire must, in no instance,
exceed 15% of the tire's cold inflation pressure.
03/13 OM2032