“We’re talking about $15,000 tires on loaders — sometimes $40,000 per set — and yet, across the industry, cost-per-hour data is still hard to find. The truth is, it varies dramatically based on the operator, the surface, and the maintenance. A solid tire might last 10,000 hours or 20,000 hours — but without tracking, no one really knows. That’s why data collection is king.”

Foam filling is so expensive, yet telehandler tires are one of the most commoditized products out there. It’s like throwing a 502 in a Civic—it doesn’t have the structure to support the investment. If you’re going to lock in that cost, wouldn’t you want the best possible tire?

“Everyone’s talking about tariffs, but it’s not as simple as a 30% tariff equals a 30% price increase. Every layer — from factories overseas to distributors and retailers — absorbs a bit of the hit. What’s interesting now is how the big players are adapting. Goodyear’s pulling back its second- and third-tier brands, Bridgestone and Michelin are doubling down on top-tier innovation, and even mining tires are evolving fast. It’s a fascinating time — chaotic, yes — but this kind of shake-up is where the next big leaps in tire technology happen.”

“You’d think garbage trucks all run the same way — pick up, dump, repeat. But it’s a whole different beast,” says ROI Rob. “These fleets scrub rubber off before tires even get a chance to wear out. Fuel economy isn’t the priority — it’s about surviving the curbs, the routes, and the landfill grind.”

Host Joseph Bahanic and Rob break down why retreading dominates the waste industry, why electric trucks aren’t quite ready for the route, and how tire strategy plays a massive role in keeping fleets efficient, safe, and sustainable.

When engineer-turned-salesman Brian Boucher first stepped into the tire world, he thought he was trading complexity for simplicity — but he quickly found the opposite. In this episode of Around the Bead, Brian shares how his background in aerospace and problem-solving shaped his unexpected journey into commercial tires. From the hidden tech gaps in fleet management to the surprising depth behind something as ordinary as a tire, this conversation reveals just how innovative, challenging, and people-driven the industry really is.

In this episode, Joe discusses the evolving role of data in mining operations with Jesse Nunes and Mark. They explore the importance of data collection, tire inspection techniques, and the challenges faced in the mining industry.

This episode of “Around the Bead” offers a comprehensive look into the role of tire data and analytics in fleet management. By leveraging technology and dedicated personnel like data technicians, fleets can achieve greater transparency and cost savings in tire wear, fuel efficiency, and maintenance.

Joaquin tells his incredibly powerful story of overcoming adversities. From beating Andre Ward, to prison, the life of a professional boxer, to nearly dying underneath a loader performing tire service.

Phil "PoPoP" Jandrokovic of East Bay Tire gives a world-class tutorial on forklift tires, manufacturing, and the hardest applications for material handling.

In this debut episode, Joseph is joined by Mike Welsh, Strategic Account Manager for East Bay Tire, to kick off a series focused on agricultural tire solutions. Mike dives into the world of flotation tires, the challenges of forecasting tire performance, and the evolving trends in the tire market, including the shift toward multi-purpose tires and the rise of autonomous farming equipment.

In a recent episode of Around the Beat podcast, experts Rob Bulldock and Big John shared valuable insights on managing fleets and improving tire performance across industries like trucking, mining, and agriculture.

In the debut episode of Around the Bead, hosts Joe and Big John dive into the tire industry’s biggest topics, from the impact of tire pressure on fleet performance to the latest changes in tire distribution and market trends.

Welcome to the pilot episode of Around the Bead, the podcast dedicated to tire talk across trucking, mining, agriculture, and beyond.