Cost savings and sustainability in the OTR tyre market

24 January, 2025

The Rema Tip Top repair system offers a high-quality and reliable alternative to buying new

Rema Tip Top deliver innovative repair solutions for off-the-road and earthmover tyres

REDUCING costs and protecting the environment – these two trends are decisive in the growing market for off-the-road (OTR) tyres. The proven Rema Tip Top repair system for these special tyres is, therefore, becoming increasingly important.

‘We enable the quarrying, mining, and construction industries to significantly extend the service life of their tyres through safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly repairs,’ said Matthias Ziller, global application and product management - automotive at Rema Tip Top AG.

Repairing simple punctures on car and truck tyres is common practice today. However, many companies are still hesitant when it comes to large tyres on OTR and earthmover (EM) vehicles. ‘Despite rising prices for new tyres and increasing raw material prices, many are still not taking advantage of modern repair options,’ said Mr Ziller.

This is where Rema Tip Top come in. With hot vulcanization at up to 170°C, even massive damage to treads, shoulders, and sidewalls can be repaired on tyres up to 63in in size and weighing more than 4 tonnes.

OTR and EM tyres are designed for the toughest applications in quarries, surface and underground mines, as well as construction sites. With strong sidewalls and robust and deep treads, these tyres can carry several hundred tonnes, depending on the vehicle.

However, they can also be damaged when sharp-edged rocks puncture the sidewall or rock fragments penetrate the tread. Tyre damage is a double loss: the machine stops, productivity drops, and replacement with a new tyre or tyres is expensive.

The Rema Tip Top repair system offers a high-quality and reliable alternative to buying new. ‘Our repair methods are tried and tested and economical,’ emphasized Mr Ziller. ‘They conserve resources and extend the service life of the tyres. The advantages for quarrying and mining companies are obvious; in addition to significant cost savings, they can help overcome delivery bottlenecks in the supply of new tyres.

Matthias Ziller, global application and product management - automotive at Rema Tip Top AG, working on an OTR tyre repair

A thorough damage analysis and the proper use of repair products are critical to a successful repair. ‘Companies should make sure that their tyre service partners are qualified,’ advised Mr Ziller. ‘Only well-trained specialists can apply our repair system reliably.’

Operators of large fleets equipped with OTR or EM tires may also find it worthwhile to equip their own workshop. Depending on the extent of the damage, the investment in repair technology can pay for itself in a short time. Rema Tip Top can help with advice, equipment, and training. ‘Our training courses, both at the customer’s premises and at our Rema Tip Top Academy, ensure safe working practices and increase employee satisfaction,’ said Mr Ziller.

The Rema Tip Top repair system offers all optimally matched components from a single source and has been specially developed for use with OTR and EM tyres. It includes:

Premium repair patches, vulcanizing solutions, and repair rubber: The patches are the heart of the system. Thanks to a special bonding layer, they offer exceptionally high adhesion and permanently bond to the tyre material during vulcanization.
Rema Tip Top Thermopress EM vulcanizing units: The Thermopress EM vulcanizers (EMI, EMII, EMIII) with flexible heating plates adapt to each tyre contour and allow fast vulcanization up to 170°C.
Special tools and accessories: Tools and accessories are not only developed on the basis of practical experience, but existing products, eg room rotors, are also optimized or, depending on the circumstances, adapted.