Wheel Rim Warning

Wheel Rim Warning TIRES/WHEELS Miscellaneous 10-5-5 The Saskatchewan Department of Labor has issued a danger alert for farmers. The danger exists when replacing tires on implement wheel rims marked 9.00-15 manufactured by Lemmerz in Germany. Barry Armstrong, Ag Health and Safety coordinator with Sask. Labor, reports that one Manitoba farmer was killed when a tire exploded while he was attempting to install it onto the rim. Subsequent investigation revealed other examples of non-fatal explosions when working with the rim. Armstrong says that even though 9.00-15 is stamped onto the wheel rim, the actual size is 9.00-15.3. It is not compatible with North American manufactured 15 in. tires. When excessive air pressure is applied to try to force the smaller 15 in. tire over the larger 15.3 in. rim, the tire can explode. Lemmerz wheel rims have been used on Claas combines and balers distributed by Co-op Impelements have been in service for several years and the tires are of an age that replacement may be necessary. The potential for danger is increased by the fact that European tires compatible with the Lemmerz rim cost two to three times the price of a North American 15-in. tire. Because of the extreme price differences and the fact that they are both stamped 15 in., most farmers will purchase the North American tire and attempt to mount it on the Lemmerz wheel rim. This could result in a serious accident. Because of his hazard, Armstrong says his department is alerting users of this rim to the potential dangers involved. (Reprinted from Light & Power.)

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