Changing a tire on a Caterpillar 793 or Komatsu 930E haul truck requires handling a tire that weighs 5,000–6,000 kg (11,000–13,000 lb) and stands over 4 m (13 ft) tall. Conventional tire handlers struggle with the combination of extreme weight, height, and the need to place the tire precisely on a 60+ tonne hub assembly.
The Unique Demands of Haul-Truck Tire Changes
- Tire weight: 53" and 57" ultra-class tires weigh 5,000–6,800 kg without the rim.
- Mounting height: The wheel hub centerline on a 100-ton haul truck is approximately 2.5–3.2 m above grade.
- Lateral precision: The tire must be controlled precisely for hub alignment — hydraulic side-shift and tilt on the attachment is critical.
- Tire shop vs. in-situ: Tire changes happen in a workshop, at a shovel pad, or at an emergency breakdown location — terrain varies significantly.
Required Machine Specifications
Rated Capacity ≥ 7,000 kg
With a tire handler attachment (typically 400–800 kg), net payload capacity must exceed the heaviest tire in your fleet. For ultra-class trucks (CAT 795, Komatsu 930E), target machine capacity ≥ 9,000 kg to handle the largest 57" tires with a safety margin.
Height ≥ 10 m and Reach
Hub centerline height of 3.2 m plus the need to tilt the tire into position requires practical working height above 4.5 m at the fork tips. Most handlers also need to pick tires off stacking racks at 6–8 m in the tire shop.
Tire Handler Attachment
Dedicated tire handler attachments include:
- V-block (cradle) style: Supports the tire bead from below — most common for workshop use.
- Clamp style: Grips the tire sidewall with padded clamps — better for in-situ or irregular terrain.
- Hydraulic rotation and tilt are essential for controlled placement on the hub.
Ground Clearance and Stability
Tire change pads in open-pit mines are not always level. Machines must maintain rated capacity on grades up to 5° and accommodate soft or compacted aggregate surfaces. Verify the machine's lateral stability chart for your most challenging in-situ conditions.
Maverick MVHT Series — Heavy Capacity Telehandlers
The MVHT series is designed for exactly this application. Both models feature Cummins heavy-duty engines, Carraro wet-brake double-reduction axles, and full compatibility with Maverick's heavy tire handler attachment range.
| Model | Rated Capacity | Max Height | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVHT13510 | 13,500 kg (29,800 lb) | 10 m | Cummins QSL9 |
| MVHT16010 | 16,000 kg (35,300 lb) | 10 m | Cummins QSX15 |
⛏️ The MVHT16010 is Maverick's most powerful model — rated at 16 metric tons — and the preferred machine for tire handling on ultra-class haul trucks (400 ton+) used in large open-pit copper and iron ore operations across LATAM.
Integration with Tire Management Programs
Many large mining operations integrate their tire handler into a formal TMPH (ton-miles per hour) management program. Choosing a telehandler that matches your tire shop cycle time, bay dimensions, and inventory system ensures the tire handler does not become the throughput bottleneck.
Contact Maverick to discuss tire shop layout optimization and attachment specification for your specific truck fleet.