SUMMARY: Perform inspection of tires and grading of tire casings. Fills in on different areas around the shop as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inspects tires to be retreaded or repaired to determine condition, repairs needed, etc.

• Operates a buffing machine to remove treads from tires to be retreaded, following specifications for depth and width of removal.
• Measures diameter and cross section to determine correct tread width.
• Applies rubber cement to tire casing and hangs up to dry.
• Selects proper size tread rubber and applies it to the tire.
• Places proper curing tube in tire and inserts proper rim for curing.

• Places tire in chamber and programs correct curing temperature according to specification.
• Sets timer for curing time according to chart, and makes record of each tire, showing size and curing time.
• Removes finished retread from curing chamber. Also removes rim and curing bag from finished retread.
• Inspects tires to determine defects in curing, i.e. soft cures, ply separation, repairs missed, etc.
• Checks finished tire with work order for proper identification and completion of work required.

• Inspects tires to determine type of repair required, indicates repairs to be made and marks, “repair only”.
• Skives out and buffs injury inside and out for proper size repair.
• Applies proper cement to inside injury and builds up repair using correct size repair patch.
• Covers outside injury with layer of cushion gum and fills with tread gum.
• Places in proper mold for curing specified time according to curing chart, after dusting inside with soapstone and inserting curing bag.

• Removes from mold, removes bag, inspects for defects, improper cure, etc., and places with finished tires.
• Makes final inspection of repair, cuts tread design with regrooving iron, tags, and places with finished stock.
• Performs other related duties in areas around the shop. Floats around to different areas as needed.

Requirements/Skills:

• Prior experience or training preferred.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, and quality control.

• Ability to learn other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Ability to watch gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble objects.

• Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers as necessitated by the work.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes.
• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Observing, receiving and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Environment is very hot during summer months and colder during winter months.
• Exposure to various chemicals used in cleaning, lubrication, etc.
• Frequent bending, twisting and lifting over 50 lbs and up to 125 lbs. or more on a regular basis.
• 100+ lbs of pressure when pushing tires.
• Repetitive and sustained exertions, forceful exertions, awkward postures, mechanical stress concentrations, vibrations in an environment that includes machinery noise, dust and exposure to heat.
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually; loud.