Choosing the Right Earthmoving Tires: E3 vs. E4

Selecting the right heavy equipment tires for your machines can be just as important as choosing the machine itself. For those using haul trucks and wheel loaders in industries like construction, mining and waste management, typically you’ll be choosing between E3 or E4 tires due to their balance between traction, durability and suitability for rough terrain. You may see E3/L3 and E4/L4, with the L standing for "loader" — for simplicity's sake, in this blog we'll use the E designation.

So what’s the difference between these two options, and how can you ensure you’re making the right choice? Here’s a high-level breakdown including pros, cons and some key considerations.

WHAT ARE E3 AND E4 TIRES?

E3 and E4 tires are both part of the earthmover (E) category of tires, commonly used on large, off-road machinery. These tires are designed for rugged environments, with higher levels of tread depth and durability. The biggest differences between the two are the tread depths, which is what the number in their names identifies:

• E3 Tires: Characterized by a moderate tread depth and a wider spacing between lugs, E3 tires are often used in general-purpose applications. They offer good traction and a relatively smooth ride on softer ground like dirt and loose soil.
• E4 Tires: E4 tires, on the other hand, have a deeper tread depth, offering increased durability and longer wear in harsh, abrasive environments. They’re typically used for more severe applications like mining, quarrying or working on rocky surfaces.

PROS AND CONS OF E3 AND E4 TIRES

E3 Tires: General-Purpose Versatility

• Pros:
  • Ideal for softer ground conditions like dirt and loose soil
  • Good self cleaning and traction
  • Smoother ride compared to deeper tread tires which can help with operator comfort
  • More affordable upfront compared to E4 tires
• Cons:
  • Less durable in harsh conditions
  • Shorter lifespan in applications involving sharp rocks, gravel or abrasive materials

E4 Tires: Built for Tough Terrain

• Pros:
  • Deeper tread provides superior durability and longer wear in abrasive environments
  • Good cut protection
  • Better suited for rocky and challenging terrains
  • Longer lifespan, meaning less downtime for tire replacements
• Cons:
  • Higher upfront cost compared to E3 tires
  • May offer a rougher ride on soft or smooth surfaces
  • Heavier tread can result in lower fuel efficiency

WHEN TO CHOOSE E3 VS. E4 TIRES

The decision between E3 and E4 tires largely depends on the machines you’re using, the jobsite conditions and the type of work you’re doing. Here are some key considerations:

Construction:

• If you’re working on surfaces like dirt, sand or compacted soil, an E3 tire (or even E2) is typically the better choice. Their wider tread spacing offers good traction and allows for easier cleaning. However, for construction on mixed terrain where you might encounter rocky areas or other hard surfaces, E4 tires provide extra protection and longevity and can withstand more abrasive conditions.

Mining and Quarrying:

• For these heavy-duty, long-hour operations, E4 mining tires are your go-to. The deep tread provides the durability needed to handle the sharp rocks, uneven terrain and constant wear typical in mining environments.

Waste and Recycling:

• Environments with sharp debris or rugged surfaces often call for the added toughness of E4 tires, especially if the ground is littered with hazardous materials. E3 tires might be suitable for waste facilities with softer surfaces. 

TMPH/TKPH

Another consideration I should mention is Ton Mile Per Hour (TMPH) or Ton Kilometer Per Hour (TKPH).  These formulas — average tire load multiplied by average tire speed — calculate the rate of work the tires can perform and stay within a safe temperature range under nominal load/inflation conditions.

E4 tires have a lower TMPH/TKPH value than E3 tires because the thicker rubber generates heat at high speeds. And for long hauls, it’s important to calculate TMPH/TKPH for the front axle, especially for E4 tires as the average load on the front axle is higher.

CONSIDER YOUR LOCATION

It’s important to consider not just the jobsite, but also where you work. For example:

• Northern U.S. and Canada: In colder regions with snow and icy conditions, traction is critical. E3 tires, with their wider spacing, can offer better grip on soft snow — but for hard-packed, icy surfaces, the extra durability of E4 tires may be more beneficial.

• Southern U.S.: In warmer, drier climates where roads and jobsites may be hotter and harder, E4 tires tend to hold up better.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE

The ability to quickly change or service your tires is another key consideration. For example, here at Volvo we use five-piece rims on all our articulated dump trucks. That makes it much easier to change tires on site because the rim doesn’t have to be taken off the machine.

And be sure to watch for overloading and/or underinflating the tires. These will have a big impact on tire life and cost. Overinflating your tires will also increase costs due to overstressing the carcass as well as shock damages on the machine (e.g. fenders and mirrors).

And one final point: Never use different types of tires on the same machine because it increases the strain on your drivetrain components (e.g. differentials).

MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR MACHINE

A lot of dealers select heavy equipment tires based on the manufacturer’s standard recommendation or on customer preferences — but if you haven’t provided a preference, you’ll want to base it on the specific needs of your operation. Choosing the right earthmoving tires will optimize your machine’s performance, reduce downtime and increase overall efficiency. This type of upfront decision is a big step toward lowering your operating costs down the road.

Looking for additional tips to reduce operating costs? Check out this article with 4 Ways to Lower Operating Costs in Earthmoving and Mining.

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