We are committed to developing and building tires that perform better, last longer, work harder, and offer a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) than our competitors’. The purchase of off-highway tires (OHT) is an important investment, and we want to make sure we help our customers get the most for their money whether they're buying replacement farm tires, or stocking up on skid-steer tires for their construction fleet.
A major component in lowering lifetime costs for tire customers is diligence in the maintenance and care of their purchases. One of the keys to achieving minimum TCO in tires lies in the proper storage of the tires when they’re not mounted on machinery.
The simplest measure you can take to store your tires correctly is to make sure they are kept in a cool, dry place, and out of direct light. Ideally, your tires should be kept between 30 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit; anything above or below those temperatures may affect the rubber’s properties and the overall life of the tire. Direct sunlight can degrade your tire and cause weather checking, also known as ozone cracking. But even if your tires are out of the sun, don’t assume you’re out of the woods—intense artificial lights can have the same effect.
Be aware of indoor enemies. Tires exposed to ozone over a long period of time (or even short periods of exposure to high levels of ozone) can develop ozone cracking. If it’s severe enough, it can render your tires unusable. While the atmosphere naturally contains small amounts of ozone, arc welding appliances, mercury lamps, electric motors, and generators all create ozone. If you must use these tools take care to do so well away from your OHT tire storage area.
Avoid storing your tires where they can come in contact with chemicals, petroleum-based products, and vapors from gasoline and lubricants. All of the offenders listed above are easily absorbed by the tire’s rubber compound, and have the potential to degrade the sidewall and tread of your tires. Storing tires on a pallet keeps them off the ground and is an easy way to minimize their exposure to these harmful products.
If you must store your ag, construction, or forestry tires outside, make sure they are covered with a heavy-ply, opaque, waterproof tarp. Be sure the tarp is large enough to keep out rain and snow that can pool inside the tire; water should never be allowed to sit inside tires. Also fix any punctures or damages before storing your tires as moisture can lead to rapid growth of damaged areas potentially making them unrepairable.
We make sure you get the best possible product for the best possible price, and we want to make sure you get every penny out of your investment after the purchase. Proper storage and maintenance of OHT tires will help you get the best performance, longest life expectancy, and the lowest total cost of ownership from your investment.