The slump in the economy has caused a lot of construction businesses to have idle pieces of equipment. Storing equipment and tires for a long time can have a negative effect on their performance and productivity. But certain steps can be taken to make sure any idle equipment and tires are well-maintained.
1. Temperature Considerations
Tires are manufactured with compounds designed to resist damage from sunlight, the ozone and temperature fluctuations. But allowing tires to sit for long periods of time can significantly reduce the amount of time they can be used.
2. Tire Position
Tire and wheel assemblies stored by themselves should be stored vertically against a stable surface. Storing tires in this upright position makes it easier to access them and reduces the chance of defective tires.
3. Tire Pressure
Inflated tires should be separated from the equipment and deflated to 50 percent of the normal pressure. The valve caps should stay in place.
4. Storage Time
Equipment that must be stored for several months should be raised on jacks, blocks or some other safe method to take the vehicle's weight off the tires.
5. Inspections Before Reuse
Before tires are remounted, their interior should be thoroughly inspected by looking for cracks, debris, moisture, rust spots or dirt - all of which can block or damage the valve. Moisture may also bleed into the casing causing steel belts to oxidize. The safest solution is to have the tires completely cleaned and dried before mounting.
6. Tire Rotation and Tracking Program
Regardless of your storing methods, to increase tire life and productivity, they should be rotated by using the "first in-first out" policy. This means the tire that has been stored the longest should be the first one to put back into service.
