The Tire Association of North America (TANA) unveiled its long-awaited off-the-road tire training program at its 2001 OTR Tire Conference in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
The 90-minute instructional training video covers mounting, demounting, tire classifications and construction, wheel assemblies, safety procedures, proper tool usage and other topics. The video is part of TANA's OTR tire certification process.
After watching the video, tire dealers are required to review corresponding written materials and then partner with "someone who is already highly trained in the field, almost like an apprenticeship," says John Buettner Sr., TANA vice president of training and technical services. Technicians then take a written test, which TANA officials grade.
Eventually, TANA plans to expand upon the tape with an advanced OTR course that will include both classroom work and hands-on training sessions.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Continental Tire North America Inc., Bridgestone/Firestone Off Road Tire Co., Michelin North America Inc., Yokohama Tire Corp., Myers Tire Supply, Brad Ragan Inc., Purcell Tire & Rubber Co., Fuller Brothers Inc., Piedmont Service Trucks, Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Stellar Industries Inc., Caterpillar Inc., Haltec Corp., American Crane Inc. and RIMEX Supply all contributed to the program.
