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Loss Control Overviews Online
Southwide Safety Committee
Forest Resources Association Inc.
IN-WOODS TIRE CHANGING
Number 31
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Reviewed
May 12, 2004
Severe,
sometimes fatal, injuries have resulted from improper techniques in jacking
and blocking during tire changes, and during dismounting of tire assemblies
on skidders and feller-bunchers. Many of these incidents and injuries can
be prevented when proper procedures are followed. These procedures pertain
to wheel assembly handling only. Tire repair should be left to off-road
tire dealers, who have the expertise, tools, and time to do the job.
The following
guidelines address safe removal of the tire and wheel assembly from off-road
equipment.
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Wear
proper protective gear: safety glasses, hard hat, and safety boots.
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When
possible, the machine should rest on level ground.
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Place
transmission in "park" position or engage parking brake.
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Chock
unaffected tires to prevent the machine from rolling.
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The use
of the grapple or front attachment on the machine may suffice as a jack,
but do not depend on it. Always block up the axle on the side at which the
tire is being changed, so as to prevent the machine from falling.
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Once
the machine has been properly blocked and moving element have been grounded
or otherwise secured, turn the engine off and release all hydraulic pressure
and any other stored energy before loosening lug nuts.
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Use the
right tools. The lug wrench should be long enough so that a cheater-pipe
is not needed. If the wrench is bent, discard it. Do not heat to straighten
it, as that tempers the metal, making the wrench subject to breakage.
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Before
the lug nuts have been removed, take care that no one is in a position to
be struck by a falling tire. Secure the tire. Do not remove the tire assembly
manually.
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Once
tire professionals have repaired the tire, reverse the previous steps to
reinstall.
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When
reinstalling the tire assembly, recheck that the machine is properly blocked,
since settling of the machine may cause it to slip from its blocks.
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Once
the lug nuts have been hand-tightened, tighten the opposite lug nuts to
the manufacturer's specifications.
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If airing
an off-road tire is necessary, use a clip-on chuck and stand well back and
to the side from the tire. Do not overinflate. Follow the manufacturer's
directions for proper inflation pressure.
