What is a common preventive maintenance step for tires on a TLB?

Regularly checking tire pressure and tread wear is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of tires on a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB). Proper tire pressure ensures that the tires have the correct amount of air to perform effectively, which helps in achieving optimal fuel efficiency, load capacity, and overall machine handling. Over- or under-inflated tires can lead to uneven wear, decreased traction, and potential blowouts, causing downtime and increased maintenance costs.

In addition to pressure, monitoring tread wear is crucial. Tread provides the necessary grip and stability for the vehicle, especially in various terrains and conditions typical in construction and landscaping sites. Regular inspections can help identify wear patterns that may indicate alignment issues, overloading, or other mechanical problems that need addressing to maintain equipment safety and efficiency.

The other options do not address tire maintenance effectively. Painting tires can actually be harmful as it may seal in moisture and lead to deterioration. Replacing tires every month is impractical and unnecessary if the tires are properly maintained, and filling tires with water may alter their handling characteristics negatively and isn't a conventional maintenance practice for TLB tires. Thus, regular checks on tire pressure and tread wear are the most sensible preventive maintenance steps for ensuring reliability and safety on the job.