TM 5-3895-383-24 Tire Inflation Information Tire Inflation with Nitrogen SMCS Code:  4203 Caterpillar  recommends  the  use  of  dry  nitrogen  gas  for  tire inflation  and  for  tire  pressure  adjustments.    This  includes  all machines  with  rubber  tires.    Nitrogen  is  an  inert  gas  that  will not aid combustion inside the tire. Proper nitrogen inflation equipment, and training in using the equipment, is necessary to avoid over inflation.  A tire blowout or rim failure can result from improper or misused equipment and serious personal injury or death can occur. Because  a  fully  charged  nitrogen  cylinder's  pressure  is approximately 15000 kPa (2200 psi), a tire blowout and/or rim failure can occur if the inflation equipment is not used correctly. There   are   other   benefits   to   using   nitrogen   in   addition   to reducing the risk of an explosion.  The use of nitrogen for tire inflation   lessens   the   slow   oxidation   of   the   rubber.      Use   of nitrogen    also    slows    gradual    tire    deterioration.        This    is especially important for tires that are expected to have a long service   life   of   at   least   four   years.      Nitrogen   reduces   the corrosion of rim components.  Nitrogen also reduces problems that result from disassembly. Use a self-attaching inflation chuck and stand behind the tread  when  inflating  a  tire,  to  prevent  possible  personal injury. NOTE: Do  not  set  the  tire  inflation  equipment  regulator higher than 140 kPa (20 psi) over the recommended tire pressure. Use  6V-4040  Nitrogen  Tire  Inflation  Group  or  an  equivalent part  to  inflate  tires  from  a  nitrogen  gas  cylinder.    Refer  to Special Instruction, SMHS7867 for tire inflation instructions. For  nitrogen  inflation,  use  the  same  tire  pressures  that  are used  for  air  inflation.    Consult  your  tire  dealer  for  operating pressures. Tire Shipping Pressure SMCS Code:  4203; 7500 The  tire  inflation  pressures  that  are  shown  in  the  following chart are cold inflation pressures. Table 13 Ply Rating or Shipping Pressure Size Strength Index kPa psi R3 23.1 X 26 8 ply 138 20 Tire Inflation Pressure Adjustment SMCS Code:  4203 The  tire  pressure  in  a  warm  shop  area  (18°  to  21  °C  [65°  to 70°F] average temperature) will significantly change when you move the machine into freezing temperatures.  If you inflate the tire  to  the  correct  pressure  in  a  warm  shop,  the  tire  will  be underinflated in freezing temperatures.  Low pressure shortens the life of a tire. When you operate the machine in freezing temperatures, see Operation     and     Maintenance     Manual,     SEBU5898,     "Cold Weather Recommendations". Tire Operating Pressures For    normal    operating    conditions,    inflate    the    tires    to    the following pressures: Table 14 Inflation Pressures For Normal Operating Conditions Model kPa psi CS-563D, CS-583D 110 16 CP-563D 83 12 Tire Ballast Fill  each  tire  430  L  (114  US  gal)  or  thirty  percent  calcium chloride and seventy percent water. Maintenance Section Tire Inflation Information 1-22