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Construction Tyre Maintenance in Africa: Extending Tyre Life in Harsh Conditions

  • Writer: Tyres Without Borders
    Tyres Without Borders
  • Oct 10
  • 3 min read

Introduction


From road projects in Kenya to mining in Ghana and housing developments in Nigeria, Africa’s construction industry is booming. But with growth comes challenges — and one of the biggest is tyre performance. Extreme heat, unpaved roads, heavy loads, and abrasive surfaces all shorten the lifespan of tyres.


That’s why construction tyre maintenance in Africa is more than routine upkeep — it’s essential to keeping projects on schedule and reducing costs. At Tyres Without Borders, we supply BKT EarthMax and PortMax tyres, which are designed specifically to handle tough off-the-road (OTR) conditions in Africa.



1. Why is tyre maintenance critical in African construction

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  • Heat build-up: High temperatures across sub-Saharan Africa increase tyre wear.

  • Dust and debris: Accelerates tread damage and punctures.

  • Overloading: Common in remote projects, it strains sidewalls and beads.

  • Poor road networks: Off-road haulage causes rapid degradation if tyres aren’t monitored.


According to Construction Review Online, equipment downtime due to tyre failure can delay major projects and inflate costs significantly (Construction Review Africa).



2. The role of BKT tyres in African construction


BKT EarthMax series has become a trusted name in the OTR sector worldwide. For African construction conditions, they offer:

  • All-steel radial structure: Distributes load evenly, improving stability.

  • Heat-resistant compounds: Reduce wear under high temperatures.

  • Cut-resistant tread: Ideal for rocky and abrasive surfaces.

  • Extra-deep tread patterns: Extend life even in mining and quarry applications.


👉 Example: The BKT EarthMax SR 30 is designed for loaders and dumpers, while the EarthMax SR 41 is built for long haulage on rigid dump trucks. (BKT EarthMax).



3. Practical tyre maintenance tips for African construction sites

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3.1 Regular inspections


Check for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and embedded stones before each shift. This prevents minor issues from escalating into costly blowouts.


3.2 Pressure management


  • Under-inflation = sidewall flex, overheating, reduced life.

  • Over-inflation = reduced traction, impact damage. BKT provides pressure/load charts to help operators maintain the right inflation.


3.3 Rotation schedules


Rotate tyres every 500–800 operating hours to ensure even wear, especially in dump trucks and graders.


3.4 Operator training


Drivers who accelerate or brake abruptly cause heat and stress. Training operators reduces misuse and prolongs tyre life.


3.5 Proper storage


Unused tyres should be stored upright in cool, dry conditions — not in direct sun or near chemicals.



4. Case studies: Tyre maintenance in action


  • Nigeria road projects: Contractors using BKT EarthMax tyres reported lower downtime compared to bias-ply alternatives, thanks to the steel-belted radial design.

  • Kenya quarry operations: A fleet fitted with BKT SR 41 tyres achieved over 10% longer lifespan by following regular rotation schedules.


These examples show that with the right tyres and good maintenance, African projects can avoid costly tyre-related delays.



5. Common mistakes to avoid

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❌ Overloading trucks beyond recommended limits 

❌ Ignoring small cracks or cuts in sidewalls 

❌ Using road tyres in OTR conditions 

❌ Skipping weekly pressure checks



Conclusion


Construction projects in Africa face unique challenges — heat, dust, and demanding loads. But with consistent tyre maintenance and the durability of BKT EarthMax and PortMax ranges, fleets can extend tyre life, reduce downtime, and maximise productivity.


At Tyres Without Borders, we’re proud to supply Africa with tyres built to last in extreme conditions.


👉 Learn more on our blog. 👉 Browse our catalogue for BKT EarthMax tyres. 👉 Contact us today: tyreswb.com/contact.



FAQ

Q1: Which BKT tyres are best for African construction projects?

The BKT EarthMax SR series is ideal for loaders, graders, and dumpers working in Africa’s tough environment

Q2: How often should OTR tyres be inspected?

Daily visual checks and weekly pressure monitoring are recommended for African construction fleets.

Q3: What causes most tyre failures in Africa? 

Overloading, under-inflation, and neglecting small cuts or cracks are the leading causes of premature tyre failure.

Q4: Can BKT tyres handle both quarry and road conditions?

Yes. EarthMax tyres are engineered for mixed-use applications, offering durability on-site and stability on paved sections.

Q5: Where can I buy BKT construction tyres in Africa?

Through Tyres Without Borders. Explore our catalogue or contact us for expert advice.


 
 
 

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