General Safety Procedures

Inflation pressure/load

To obtain the best performance from pneumatic (air filled) tyres, it is of primary importance that the proper inflation pressure be maintained. Failure to do so may cause the following:

Over-Inflation:

• Excessive soil compaction
• Lateral slipping
• Reduced traction
• Increased wearing of tread centre
• Bursting due to cuts
• Reduced riding comfort
• Impact breaks
• Fewer acres tilled per day 

Under-Inflation:

• Sidewall damage
• Poor ride
• Higher fuel consumption
• Bead unseating
• Irregular wear
• Casing damage
• Separation damage
• Increased wearing of tread in shoulder area 

Overloading causes tyre damage, shortens tyre life and leads to rim cracking and accidents. Always be sure to balance your load and remain within the recommended load limits.

Operating speeds

The recommended top speed of 40km/h for agricultural tyres should, where possible, never be exceeded. Higher tyre loads are recommended for intermittent service operations at reduced speeds. Under such conditions inflation pressure should be increased in order to reduce tyre deflection and ensure full tyre service life.

Usage of mixed tyre types

The mixed application of different tyre types on the same vehicle can adversely affect maneuverability and stability, and may cause the vehicle to lean under loads due to the differences in tyre deformation. In addition, a bias ply tyre should never be placed on the same axle as a radial tyre. This practice will cause immediate and excessive wear on the bias ply tyre and will greatly reduce the life of the radial tyre.

Regular tyre inspection

Periodically checking for improper inflation pressure, tyre damage, mechanical damage and irregular wear, as well as removing objects such as metal shards and stones from the tread, is vital for long tyre life. If a substance such as oil, grease, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid or petrol is spilled on a tyre, it should be removed immediately by washing to prevent rubber deterioration.

Safe rim mounting

1. NEVER re-inflate a tyre that has been operated in a run-flat or under-inflated condition (80% or less of recommended pressure). Demount and inspect all tyres and rim parts before re-inflating.
2. ALWAYS use specialised tools as recommended by tyre manufacturers for mounting and demounting tyres.
3. BEFORE loosening any nuts or clamps that attach a multi-piece rim assembly to a vehicle, always completely deflate the tyre (both tyres of a dual assembly) by taking out the valve core(s). Never attempt to demount a tyre from a rim unless you are sure that the tyre is completely deflated. Failure to follow this procedure can cause the assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury or death.
4. NEVER use any rim part that is bent, pitted from corrosion, cracked or worn. These are unserviceable parts and must be destroyed so that they cannot be used again. Remove rust, dirt or foreign material from rim parts.
5. NEVER use a rim part unless you can positively identify it from the manufacturer's stamped markings. If you cannot identify a part, destroy it.
6. ALWAYS inspect the inside of the tyre for loose cords, cuts, penetrating objects or other casing damage. Tyres with repairable damage must be mended, before being put back into service. Tyres with irreparable damage should be destroyed.
7. NEVER substitute an inner tube for a permissible or non-permissible repair.
8. ALWAYS replace a tyre with one which has the same rim diameter designation and suffix letters.
9. ALWAYS inspect the inside of the tyre and remove dirt, liquids or other foreign material before mounting.
10. NEVER install tubes that have buckled or creased.
11. ALWAYS use new tubes in new tyres.
12. ALWAYS use radial tubes with tube-type radial tyres.
13. NEVER use a tube in a casing larger or smaller than the one for which the tube was designed by the manufacturer.
14. ALWAYS check to be sure a tube is clean before installing it in a tyre.
15. ALWAYS lubricate with approved tyre mounting lubricant or mild vegetable oil soap solution. Never use antifreeze, silicones or petroleum-base lubricants. These will damage the tyre.
16. ALWAYS inspect valve cores for proper air retention. Replace damaged or leaking cores.
17. ALWAYS inflate a tyre to the tyre manufacturers recommended cold inflation pressure for the tyre's intended service.
18. WHEN INFLATING A TYRE OFF (when rim and tyre are not mounted on an axle), use a safety cage or other restraining device and an extension hose with an in-line air gauge and clip-on air chuck. This will allow the operator to stand clear of the trajectory.
19. FOR TUBE-TYPE tyres, inflate to service pressure without the valve core installed and then completely deflate the tyre to prevent wrinkles in the tube. Insert the valve core and re-inflate the tyre to recommended service pressure as specified for the tyre and/or rim.
20. ALWAYS use sealing valve caps to prevent loss of air or fluid.
21. ALWAYS make sure that the tyre is centred on the rim before inflating.

Tyre storage

When storing tyres avoid direct sunlight, ozone (storing a tyre next to a substation or other electrical installation), moisture, petroleum products and extremely high ambient temperatures.

Other

Remember that, while Bridgestone Firestone have set out operating pressures in this schedule, for special operating conditions that require inflation pressures and loads exceeding our recommendations, Firestone must first be consulted.