Construction

Tyres for construction machinery

On a building site a tyre meets crushed stone, rebar, wet clay and concrete in one shift. Construction and OTR (off-the-road) tyres are built with deep, cut-resistant treads, reinforced sidewalls and compounds that tolerate high loads at low speed.

Pattern codes explained

• R-4 (industrial) — the universal backhoe and telehandler pattern: a compromise between traction on soil and durability on asphalt. Typical sizes 12.5/80-18, 16.9-28, 440/80R28.
• E-3 / L-3 — rock pattern for wheel loaders and dumpers on mixed surfaces; the workhorse of the category. Sizes 17.5-25, 20.5-25, 23.5-25.
• L-5 — extra-deep tread for loaders in quarries and recycling yards, where cuts and abrasion shorten tyre life.
• E-2 / G-2 — traction pattern for graders and machines working on softer ground.

Radial OTR tyres run cooler and last longer on machines that travel; bias tyres are cheaper and stiffer, which suits loaders that mostly dig and load.

Sizing and load

OTR sizes carry a ply rating (for example 16 PR) or a star rating (★, ★★, ★★★) that shows how much load the casing carries at its rated pressure. Compare it with the manufacturer's table for the machine's operating weight and bucket load, not just with the size on the old tyre.

Brands and availability

West Lake (ZC Rubber) supplies the majority of loader and dumper sizes, CEAT Specialty the industrial R-4 backhoe and telehandler sizes. Most sizes ship from Bratislava the same working day; larger 25-inch sizes travel on pallets and may take one extra day. Ask for a quote on a complete set — pairs and sets are priced better than single tyres.