Wheel Loader Tread: L2 / L3 / L4 / L5 – What is the Difference?

Any tire model marked with an L plus a number is a Loader tire. These tires will have thick sidewalls to help support heavy weight and provide protection against rough terrain. These tires come in different levels: L2, L3, L4, and L5, all of which we will examine here.

L2 tires are designed to give high traction and can support use on soft terrains and even sand. L3 tires are designed to also have high traction, but can support rougher environments such as rocky and tough terrains. They are made with durable rubber that can withstand scratches and sharp spikes, although normal load applications are recommended for both patterns.

The L4 pattern, by comparison, has a deeper tread than L2 and L3 models, generally about 50% deeper even though the diameter of the casing is the same. This means that an L4 tire will have a larger total diameter than an L3. They therefore have a lower depth-to-price ratio and higher heat resistance, which makes them perfect for reducing the per-hour cost of your tires. They work very well on flat surfaces such the entrances to quarries.

The rubber in L5 tires can withstand the toughest conditions. L5s that are also listed as construction tires are recommended for the most extreme terrains, as the tread pattern is extra deep with a long tread life. The trade-off is that L5 tires come with the highest price tag out of all 4 types, because they require a lot of material to make. When selecting which tire is the best match for your needs, consider the intended design of the tire, and also how often you want to replace your tires. The main questions to ask are what will you use the tires for, what terrain will the tires run on, and how often will the vehicle be used. For example, the vehicle may be used everyday for a short period of time, or it may be used once a week but for long durations. For long operation times you have to consider how the tires will heat up.

There is also another option: tires that are dual-marked, meaning they function as both loader and transport tires. These models will be marked as E-/L-, each followed by a number to show the level of the tires. Dual tires are the only safe tires to use for 2 different applications, as they have met the safety standard for both goals. Tire failure is caused by 2 main reasons: tire maintenance and wrong tires for the job. Aside from choosing the right wheel loader capacity, it is important to take into consideration the gross weight of the vehicle, bucket capacity, and horsepower. Higher numbers require higher tire specs.

Still not sure which level of Loader is right for you? Contact us directly at OTRUSA.COM! We have over 20 years in the industry, and our specialists are happy to find the best tires for your needs. For further assistance, please don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at +1-855-687-8721.