A surge in accidents and fatalities among those servicing earthmover tires is prompting the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to accelerate work to update its Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) training program.
The Basic ETS class will expand to feature demount and mount inflate modules for one-piece, three-piece, five-piece and double gutter assemblies on machine and loose for both hydraulic cranes and tire handlers. A four-piece assembly will be covered, as will tire chain installation.
TIA CEO Richard “Dick” Gust said the training will be updated in 2024 and released in 2025. He said the investment made to update the earthmover tire training will be “the biggest expenditure we’ve ever made in our training module.” He declined to specify the cost to the association.
TIA is also working on training translations for Spanish speakers, which he said has been requested by several members.
The group continues its work to lobby and influence government affairs, with the top priority being to support the REPAIR Act and right-to-repair efforts.
During the group’s Monday press conference Gust also noted that the 2023 Global Tire Expo includes 212 exhibitors. More than 2,100 people had pre-registered for TIA’s two-day lineup of educational sessions offered during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
He said registrations for the February 2024 Off-the-Road Tire Conference area well ahead of last year’s pace — and are 50% higher than the same time a year ago.
