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When you’re shopping for OTR tires, the information molded into the sidewall tells you much more than just the tire size. These markings provide critical details about a tire’s construction, load capacity, speed rating, and intended application. Knowing how to read them can help you choose the right tire for your equipment and avoid costly mistakes.
At Goodall Tire, we help customers find the right used, repaired, and retread OTR tires by ensuring the tire’s specifications match the demands of the job.
The most recognizable marking is the tire size. Depending on the manufacturer and application, you may see examples such as:
Each part of the size has a meaning:
Selecting the correct size is essential for proper fitment, stability, and equipment performance.
One of the most important letters on the sidewall is the construction type.
Radial tires are designed with steel belts running perpendicular to the direction of travel. They typically offer:
Bias tires use multiple overlapping layers of fabric cords.
Benefits include:
The best choice depends on the equipment and operating environment.
OTR tires often include a Ply Rating (PR) or Star Rating.
These markings indicate the tire’s strength and load-carrying capability—not the actual number of plies in modern tires.
Higher ratings generally mean the tire is designed to handle:
Always choose the rating recommended by your equipment manufacturer.
Some OTR tires also display a load index and speed symbol.
These markings indicate:
While many heavy equipment machines operate at relatively low speeds, choosing a tire with the proper load capacity is critical for safety and durability.
Although the tread itself is easy to see, many tires also include markings that identify the tread design or application.
Different tread patterns are designed for:
Matching the tread to your work environment helps maximize traction and tire life.
Depending on the tire, you’ll also find information such as:
These markings help identify the tire and may be useful for inventory tracking or warranty purposes.
When purchasing used OTR tires, sidewall markings help verify that you’re getting a tire compatible with your equipment. They also provide insight into the tire’s intended application, construction, and capabilities.
An experienced tire supplier can use this information to recommend the best option based on your machine, workload, and operating conditions.
Reading sidewall markings is only the first step. Understanding how those specifications affect real-world performance is what truly matters.
At Goodall Tire, we help customers across the United States find quality OTR tires, including used, repaired, and retread options for graders, loaders, earthmovers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment. Our knowledgeable team can explain tire markings, answer your questions, and help you select the right tire for your application and budget.
If you’re unsure what your current tire markings mean, contact Goodall Tire—we’re here to help you make a confident, informed decision.
