Excavator/Loader/Grader

Experience the Difference With Our Wheel Loader & Grader Tires

When you need to move tons of rock, sand, or recently demolished construction materials, you’ll probably turn to a wheel loader, skid loader, or grader. These pieces of heavy machinery are perfect for hauling heavy loads over short distances.

However, they need to have the right tires to operate at peak efficiency. The proper loader tires offer secure traction, handling, and load capacity. Even though higher-quality tires may cost more upfront, they will save you money over their lifespan!

What to Look for When Buying Wheel Loader Tires

There are no “one-size-fits-all” loader or grader tires. Each set of tires is designed for specific parameters, and you’ll need to choose the right ones for the job.

Tire Size

Sizes for wheel loader and skid loader tires are generally two numbers separated by a dash or an “x” — 14x17.5, for example. This would indicate a tire with a 14-inch section width designed for a 17.5-inch diameter rim.

Occasionally, you may see a tire with three numbers in its size, such as 27x14-17.5. In this case, the first number indicates tire height when fully inflated, while the second two numbers are the same as the first example.

The reason you may need to know the height of your wheel loader or skid loader tires is that they may need to fit in the fender or wheel well of a specific machine.

Ply/Star Rating/Load Index Rating

Wheel loaders are massive, bulky pieces of equipment, but some are more massive than others. That’s why it’s important to know what ply, star rating, or load index rating you need. The higher the number, the higher the load the tire can handle.

You’ll need to go by the manufacturer’s guidelines for the right number so you can ensure safe operation.

Speed Symbol

The top speed of your loader or grader is whatever the tires can handle. If you need to operate your wheel loader at 15 mph, you’ll need tires that can withstand the forces. Speed symbols start alphabetically with A1 through A8, indicating speed ratings from 3 mph to 25 mph. After A8, the ratings go alphabetically from B to Y. You will likely never need ratings beyond B, which corresponds to a top speed of 30 mph.

Bias-Ply vs. Radial vs. Solid

There are three main types of tire construction available, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

This design uses diagonal layers of nylon to form the underlying structure of the tire. Bias-ply tires have thick, strong sidewalls, making them puncture-resistant and able to handle high loads. They’re also the cheapest option.

However, they tend to wear out quickly and have poor handling characteristics since the tread and sidewall move as a single unit.

Radial tires use steel belts laid 90 degrees over the plies. The effect is that the sidewall and tread move independently, allowing the tread to stay firmly planted on the ground. While the sidewalls are more flexible than in bias-ply tires, this does offer smoother, less jarring rides and longer lifespans. Radials are more expensive than bias-ply tires.

While bias-ply and radial tires are pneumatic in that they rely on a cushion of air to give them their shape, solid tires are rubber throughout. These offer the greatest lifespan and load capacity of any other tires, and they are also the most expensive, stiffest, and heaviest.

Tread Patterns

Wheel loaders use L-type tires with specially designed treads for the kinds of environments in which these machines typically operate.

• L-2 Treads: Standard tire depth and aggressive treads deliver maximum grip
• L-3 Treads: Durability and scrape/puncture resistance increased
• L-4 Treads: Depth increased by 150%, for rocky conditions
• L-5 Treads: Depth increased by 250% for more extreme use
• L-3S Treads: Standard tire depth, smooth treads
• L-4S Treads: Depth increased by 150%, smooth treads
• L-5S Treads: Depth increased by 250%, smooth treads

“Depth” may feel odd when discussing smooth tread tires. For the S versions of the tires, imagine the treads were filled in by solid rubber. The overall thickness of the tire increases from L-3S to L-5S even if there are no visible grooves.

Wheel Loader & Grader Tires FAQs

What Size Wheel Loader Tires Do I Need?

Check your wheel loader or skid loader manufacturer’s guidelines carefully! They will specify the exact sizes and types of tires you can mount. Pay particular attention to load index/ply/star ratings and tire height specifications. Even if the tires you purchase fit the machine’s rims, they may not fit inside the fenders or wheel wells.

What Maintenance Is Required for Optimal Tire Performance?

Wheel loader tires are under a lot of stress. Check them daily for signs of damage, such as dry rot, punctures, or scrapes. Always ensure they are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s specified PSI. Wash them after use to get rid of debris and potentially harmful chemicals.

If possible, store the loader out of direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays will cause the rubber to harden more quickly.

How Do I Choose Between Radial and Bias-Ply Tires?

Bias-ply tires are excellent for low-speed conditions where strength and puncture resistance are top priorities. Radials offer superior heat dissipation for higher operating speeds, more flexible sidewalls for better handling and a softer ride, and generally have better traction.

Don’t make the choice based on price — always select based on usage requirements!

What Is the Typical Lifespan of These Tires?

Depending on usage, maintenance, and whether the tires are bias-ply, radial, or solid, wheel loader tires should last between 4,000 and 10,000 hours.

How Do These Tires Perform in Wet or Icy Conditions?

Deep-tread tires such as L-2 or L-3 are superior at digging through snow and slush to maintain traction. To keep constant pressure in the tires, operators may consider using nitrogen, which is less susceptible to temperature changes.

Why Buy Wheel Loader Tires From Us?

Wheel loader and skid loader tires are an investment. Ensure you get the tires you need by partnering with Tires4That, your experienced tire supplier!

We’ve been the go-to source for construction professionals since 1968, and our decades of institutional knowledge are at your disposal. With Tires4That, you can easily get the right tires for the right job. Contact us if you need help finding the perfect tire for your loader!