TKPH Explained: How to Stop Haul Truck Tires Overheating
TKPH explained for mine and quarry managers: how to calculate site TKPH, compare it with tire ratings and stop haul truck tires overheating.
With TKPH explained simply, you can stop many haul truck tire failures before they happen. TKPH stands for tonne-kilometre per hour. It measures how much work a tire does, and how much heat it builds.
Why Heat Kills Tires
Rubber gets weaker as it gets hotter. When the inside of a tire runs too hot for too long, the layers separate. The tire may look fine outside until it fails.
How to Work Out Site TKPH
- Find the average load per tire: empty load plus loaded load, divided by two.
- Find the average speed over a shift: total km driven divided by hours worked.
- Multiply the two. Adjust for ambient temperature and long hauls using the maker’s correction factors.
Compare With the Tire Rating
Every haul truck tire has a TKPH rating. If your site figure is higher than the rating, the tire will run too hot. You can choose a compound with a higher rating, cut speed, or reduce loads.
Quick Ways to Lower Heat
- Keep pressures correct; low pressure adds heat fast
- Shorten haul roads or reduce speed on long ramps
- Avoid overloading trucks
- Plan shifts so the hottest hours carry lighter work
TKPH Explained for Tire Buyers
When you ask for a quote on haul truck tires, include your site TKPH. We can then offer the right compound. Browse dump truck & earthmover tires and radial otr tires, and read about haul trucks for background.
TKPH explained: Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my site TKPH is higher than the tire rating?
The tire will run hotter than it was designed for. This speeds up rubber breakdown inside the casing and can lead to separation. You can switch to a compound with a higher rating, reduce speed or load, or improve haul roads so the truck works less hard.
Does ambient temperature affect TKPH?
Yes. Makers publish correction factors for hot climates. A tire rated for one TKPH at a standard temperature may only handle less in a desert mine. Always use corrected figures when planning tire choice in hot regions.
Is TKPH only for haul trucks?
It matters most for haul trucks and articulated dumpers, which travel at speed under heavy load. Loaders and dozers move slowly, so heat is less of a concern. For load-and-carry loaders on long cycles, check TKPH as well.
How often should I recalculate site TKPH?
Recalculate whenever haul distances, truck payloads or shift patterns change, or at least once a year. A new pit or ramp can raise TKPH quickly, and tires chosen for the old layout may start failing.
Questions About TKPH explained?
Every site is different, and a short conversation often saves a costly mistake. Tell us what your machines do, how many hours they run and where they work. We will suggest a tire, a backup option and a realistic price. Start with the tire catalogue or the brands page, then send your list.
We reply within one working day, Thailand time, by email at info@orttirethai.shop or on WhatsApp +66 640 130 805.
