How to Change Tires for Rubber Tyred Gantry

Maintaining the tires of a rubber tyred gantry is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and safety in container handling operations. Over time, tires can wear out due to continuous usage, environmental factors, and load-bearing stresses. Changing tires on a rubber tyred gantry involves a systematic approach to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Below are the steps involved in changing tires for a rubber tyred gantry:

Step 1: Preparation and Safety Measures

Before beginning the tire change process, it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions and prepare the rubber tyred gantry for maintenance:

Safety Gear: Ensure that maintenance personnel are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

Secure the RTG: Park the rubber tyred gantry on a flat and stable surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels to prevent any accidental movement during the tire change.

Isolate Power: Disconnect the RTG from its power source and lock out/tag out the electrical system to prevent accidental activation.

Gather Tools and Equipment: Gather all the necessary tools and equipment required for the tire change, including a jack, tire iron or wrench, spare tires, tire pressure gauge, and any other specific tools recommended by the RTG manufacturer.

Step 2: Jacking Up the Rubber Tyred Gantry

Positioning the Jacks: Place the hydraulic jacks or lifting equipment at designated lift points on the RTG chassis, as specified by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Avoid placing the jacks on unstable or unsupported areas.

Lift the RTG: Gradually raise the rubber tyred gantry using the hydraulic jacks until the tires to be changed are off the ground and there is enough clearance to remove and replace them.

Step 3: Removing the Old Tires

Loosen Lug Nuts: Use a tire iron or wrench to loosen the lug nuts securing the old tires to the wheel hub. Loosen the nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.

Remove the Lug Nuts and Tires: Once the lug nuts are loosened, remove them completely and carefully take off the old tires from the wheel hub. Place the lug nuts in a safe location to avoid misplacement.

Inspect Wheel Components: While the tires are removed, take the opportunity to inspect the wheel components, including the wheel hub, axle, and brake assembly, for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Address any issues as needed.

Step 4: Installing the New Tires

Prepare the New Tires: Ensure that the new tires are compatible with the rubber tyred gantry’s specifications in terms of size, load capacity, and tread pattern. Check the tire pressure and adjust if necessary using a tire pressure gauge.

Mount the New Tires: Carefully mount the new tires onto the wheel hub, aligning the bolt holes with the studs on the hub. Ensure that the tires are seated properly and snugly against the hub.

Secure with Lug Nuts: Place the lug nuts back onto the studs and tighten them by hand initially to ensure proper alignment. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications in a crisscross pattern.

Step 5: Lowering the Rubber Tyred Gantry and Final Checks

Lower the RTG: Gradually lower the rubber tyred gantry back to the ground using the hydraulic jacks. Ensure that the tires make full contact with the ground and support the weight of the RTG.

Tighten Lug Nuts: Once the RTG is lowered, recheck the tightness of the lug nuts to confirm that they are securely fastened. Double-check the torque settings to prevent wheel loosening during operation.

Inspect and Test: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the newly installed tires, checking for proper alignment, inflation, and any signs of leaks or abnormalities. Test the rubber tyred gantry’s movement to ensure that the tires rotate smoothly and there are no issues with steering or stability.

Documentation: Record the tire change procedure, including the date of replacement, tire specifications, torque settings, and any maintenance observations. Keep this information for future reference and maintenance records.

Step 6: Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

After changing the tires, implement a regular maintenance schedule for the rubber tyred gantry’s tires, including:

Regular Inspections: Perform routine visual inspections of the tires for wear, damage, or abnormalities. Check the tire pressure and tread depth regularly and adjust as needed.

Tire Rotation: Consider rotating the tires periodically to promote even wear and extend tire life. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper rotation patterns.

Alignment Checks: Monitor the RTG’s wheel alignment and address any alignment issues promptly to prevent uneven tire wear and handling problems.