DOT number on earthmoving tyres
What does the DOT number mean?
DOT stands for Department of Transportation — the U.S. authority that sets requirements for tyre production and identification.
A DOT code consists of four digits:
- The first two digits indicate the week of production
- The last two digits indicate the year of production
Example: DOT 2619 means the tyre was produced in week 26 of 2019.
Where can you find the DOT number on an earthmoving tyre?
The DOT number can be found on the sidewall of the tyre, usually following the letters “DOT”.
For high-speed cranes and other heavy earthmoving machines, this code is often part of the tyre’s serial number. The exact location and format may vary by manufacturer.
Why is the DOT number important?
Checking the DOT number is crucial for:
- safety inspections and periodic checks
- purchasing used earthmoving tyres (to verify age)
- preventive maintenance, as ageing rubber becomes harder and more prone to cracking
- insurance purposes, where the production date may affect liability
As a general rule, tyres older than 10 years are often not recommended for use — especially under heavy loads or at higher speeds.
DOT numbers and tyre management at Heuver
Looking for a complete tyre management solution? Heuver offers a full-service approach for the earthmoving sector:
- new and used tyres
- trade-in and fitting services
- rim supply
- environmentally responsible disposal of old tyres
Discover more on our earthmoving knowledge page.
The OTR tyres book
We have collected all our earthmover knowledge for you in one handy boo. So you always have all the information easily and quickly at hand!
More information or advice?
Do you need advice? Please contact us, our experts will be pleased to assist you. Contact our experts at +31 (0)523 - 850 850 or by e-mail to info@heuver.com. You can also read all about OTR on the OTR knowledge-page.