Tires - Komatsu 730E Operation & Maintenance Manual

OM2036 08/11

TIRES

Handling Tires
Rim and tire maintenance can be hazardous unless the
correct procedures are followed by trained personnel.
Improperly maintained or inflated tires can overheat
and burst due to excessive pressure. Improper infla-
tion can also result in cuts in the tire caused by sharp
stones. Both of these conditions can lead to tire dam-
age, serious personal injury, or even death.
To safely maintain a tire, adhere to the following con-
ditions:
• Before a tire is removed from a vehicle for tire
repair, the valve core must be partially removed
to allow deflation, and then the tire/rim assembly
can be removed. During deflation, persons must
stand outside of the potential trajectory of the
locking ring of a multi-piece wheel rim.
• After the tire/rim assembly is installed on the
vehicle, inflate the tires to their specified
pressure. Abnormal
particularly when the inflation pressure is too low.
NOTE: To prevent injury from the wheel rims during
tire inflation, use one of the following:
1. A wheel cage or other restraining device that
will constrain all wheel rim components during
an explosive separation of a multi-piece wheel
rim, or during the sudden release of air.
2. A stand-off inflation device which permits a per-
son to stand outside of the potential trajectory of
the wheel components.
• Use the specified tires.
heat is generated,
The tire inflation pressure and permissible speeds,
given in this manual, are general values. The actual
values may differ, depending on the type of tire and
the specific operating conditions. For details, please
consult the tire manufacturer.
When the tires become overheated, a flammable gas
is produced inside the tire which can ignite. It is par-
ticularly dangerous if the tires become overheated
while the tires are pressurized. If the gas generated
inside the tire ignites, the internal pressure will sud-
denly rise, and the tire will explode, resulting in dan-
ger and/or death to personnel in the area. Explosions
differ from punctures or tire bursts because the
destructive force of the explosion is extremely large.
Therefore, the following operations are strictly pro-
hibited when the tire is pressurized:
• Welding the rim.
• Welding near the wheel or tire.
• Smoking or creating open
flames.
Safety - Section 20
Page 20-13