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Tyre Maintenance for African Equipment: Extend Life, Reduce Costs, Improve Safety

  • Writer: Tyres Without Borders
    Tyres Without Borders
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 2 min read

Whether you’re farming in Uganda or running a construction site in Côte d’Ivoire, your equipment tyres face intense pressure — literally. With rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and long working hours, tyre wear and failure are real risks. But with the right tyre maintenance practices in Africa, you can extend tyre life, avoid unplanned downtime, and boost safety on site.

At Tyres Without Borders, we specialise in supporting African equipment owners outside of Namibia and South Africa. This guide will walk you through essential maintenance steps, tailored to the agricultural and construction sectors.


Why Tyre Maintenance Is Critical in Africa


  • Equipment downtime costs money and time

  • Heat and heavy loads cause faster tyre breakdown

  • Remote sites make tyre replacement difficult and expensive

  • Poor maintenance leads to accidents and machine damage

Routine care not only extends tyre life but also protects your investment in machinery.


Daily Maintenance Checklist

1. Check Inflation Pressure

  • Use a calibrated pressure gauge.

  • Perform checks when tyres are cool.

  • Refer to equipment manual or sidewall for PSI.

2. Inspect for Damage

  • Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or exposed cords.

  • Remove embedded objects from treads.

3. Monitor Tread Wear

  • Check depth weekly.

  • Uneven wear may signal misalignment or overloading.

4. Clean the Tyres

  • Remove caked mud, chemicals, and debris.

  • Prevent corrosion and heat buildup.


Common Causes of Tyre Wear in African Sites


  • Overloading equipment

  • Improper inflation (too high or low)

  • Uneven or rocky ground conditions

  • Long hauls on hot asphalt

  • Ignoring early damage signs


Maintenance Tips for Agriculture

  • Use VF or IF technology tyres from BKT for reduced soil compaction and pressure tolerance

  • Adjust pressure based on field vs transport mode

  • Avoid tight turning on loose soil to reduce sidewall stress


Maintenance Tips for Construction


  • Rotate tyres between machines with similar specs

  • Install TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems) for large fleets

  • Train operators on correct loading and turning behaviour


Recommended BKT Tyres for Durability

  • AGRIMAX V-FLECTO: Long-lasting radial for tractors

  • EARTHMAX SR 30: Heavy-duty tyre for loaders and dozers

  • TR 459: For backhoe loaders, excellent cut resistance


Conclusion

Tyre maintenance is more than a chore — it's a strategy for saving money, protecting equipment, and improving jobsite safety. Whether you're tilling fields or building roads, regular inspection, pressure checks, and good habits go a long way. For professional advice or supply, Tyres Without Borders is your African partner in productivity.



FAQs

Q1: How often should I check tyre pressure?

Daily in hot or high-load conditions; at least weekly otherwise.

Q2: Is under-inflation worse than over-inflation?

Both are harmful. Under-inflation leads to heat buildup; over-inflation reduces grip and causes uneven wear.

Q3: Can I repair tyres with sidewall damage?

Sidewall repairs are risky. It’s safer to replace them.

Q4: What's the ideal PSI for tractors vs construction loaders?

Depends on load and tyre type. Always follow manufacturer specs.

Q5: Does climate affect tyre wear?

Yes. Heat accelerates wear; moisture and chemicals cause sidewall degradation.


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