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OTR Tire Guide

Everything you need to know about Off-The-Road tires for construction, mining, and quarry operations.

What Are OTR Tires?

Off-The-Road (OTR) tires are heavy-duty tires designed for vehicles that operate on unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, mud, and rock. Unlike standard truck or car tires, OTR tires are built to withstand extreme loads, harsh terrain, and abrasive conditions found in mining, construction, quarrying, and port operations.

OTR tires are categorized by their tread depth, ply rating, and construction type (radial vs. bias). Radial OTR tires are increasingly preferred for their longer wear life, better heat dissipation, and fuel efficiency, while bias OTR tires remain popular for certain applications due to their rugged sidewalls and lower cost.

Common OTR Tire Sizes

SizeEquipment TypeCommon PRApplication
17.5R25Wheel Loaders, Graders16-20 PRConstruction, Quarry
20.5R25Medium Loaders16-20 PRGeneral Earthmoving
23.5R25Large Wheel Loaders20 PRHeavy Construction, Mining
26.5R25Articulated Dump Trucks20-28 PR Mining, Quarry
29.5R25Large Articulated Haulers28 PRSurface Mining

Tread Patterns Explained

All-Position (L-3)

Balanced tread design for loaders and graders operating on mixed surfaces. Good traction and even wear for general construction work.

Rock / Deep Tread (L-4)

Deeper tread blocks with reinforced shoulders for extreme cut and chip resistance in quarries and mining applications.

Extra Deep (L-5)

Maximum tread depth for the harshest conditions. Used in severe mining and demolition where tire damage is highest.

How to Choose the Right OTR Tire

  1. Identify your equipment — Match the tire size to your loader, grader, or hauler specifications.
  2. Assess your terrain — Rock quarries need deeper treads (L-4/L-5); mixed construction sites can use L-3.
  3. Calculate load requirements — Ensure the ply rating (PR) matches your maximum operating load.
  4. Consider operating hours — High-hour operations benefit from radial construction for longer life.
  5. Factor in climate — Hot climates require tires with better heat dissipation properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between radial and bias OTR tires?

Radial OTR tires have steel belts running at 90 degrees to the tread centerline, providing better heat dissipation, longer wear, and fuel efficiency. Bias OTR tires have nylon plies running at alternating angles, offering stronger sidewalls and lower cost but shorter tread life.

How long do OTR tires typically last?

OTR tire life varies significantly based on application. Construction loaders may see 2,000–4,000 hours, while mining haulers can achieve 6,000+ hours with proper maintenance and matched tread patterns.

What ply rating do I need?

Ply rating indicates load capacity. For small loaders (17.5R25), 16–20 PR is typical. For large mining trucks (26.5R25+), 28 PR or higher is required. Always check your equipment manufacturer's specification.

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