Aluminum Smelter ‐ Southeast US

Application Type
Aluminum Smelter – Southeast US

Machine Type
Articulated Tractor & Trailer Combination (Pot/Anode) – OTR Production Equipment

Tire Size & Type
Tractor Tires 10.00-20 (8.00) Bias Tire
Trailer Tires 18.00R25 (11.00) Radial Tire

Site Conditions
Plant ambient temperature high at 110°F (43°C). Pot radiant temperature high at +200°F (+93°C). Round trip distance of 2 miles (3.2 km). Maximum Speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h). Floors conditions of cement in the plant and asphalt outside. Turning radius tight and maneuverability a challenge. Utilization 24 Hours 365 Days.

Tire Problem
Conventional solid tires on tractor would experience catastrophic failure and separate frequently within the first day of installation. Solid tires life averaged 30 hours. Pneumatic tires on trailer would have flats and require many hours for changing/service. If tire goes flat with full pot, machine cannot unload aluminum resulting in lost production.

Trojan Solution
Installed Trojan HD Soft Core in bias tire on tractor positions.
Installed Trojan HD Soft Core in radial tire on trailer positions.

Success / Outcome
Tractor tire service life improved to 106 Days consecutively or 1,100 hours (37 times improvement). Trailer tire flats were eliminated, subsequent tire life improved to complete tread wear out, which previously did not occur. Trojan Soft Core reusability has resulted in a huge reduction in tire spend on these machines and tire costs dropped drastically. Trojan Soft Core increased productivity and safety; no air=no explosive force.