26.5R25 – complete reference

/ Overview

A defining loader size.

26.5R25 is the standard fitment for the CAT 980-988 series, Komatsu WA470-WA500, Volvo L220-L260, and Liebherr L 580 – the workhorse mid-large wheel loader class on Australian mining and civil sites. The size is consistent across all major OEM machine generations from the late 1990s to current.

The 26.5R25 tyre fits a 25-inch rim. The "26.5" is the section width in inches (the widest point of the inflated tyre). The "R" indicates radial construction. Bias-construction 26.5-25 exists but is increasingly rare – radial dominates current fitment.

Across the major manufacturers, 26.5R25 is offered in L-3 (general purpose), L-4 (deeper tread, longer life), L-5 (extra-deep tread, cut and heat resistance), and L-5S (smooth, underground). The right TRA code depends on the application – L-3 for civil work, L-4 for general mining, L-5 for primary production loaders in hard-rock and abrasive conditions, L-5S for underground LHDs.

Common machines

Caterpillar 980, 982, 986, 988 · Komatsu WA470, WA475, WA480, WA500 · Volvo L220, L250, L260 · Liebherr L 580, L 586 · Doosan DL550 · Hitachi ZW310, ZW330 · Hyundai HL955, HL960

Tier-one patterns available

• Bridgestone VSDL+ (L-3), VKT (L-3), VLT (L-5)
• Michelin XHA2 (L-3), XLD D2 (L-5), XDR3 (L-5)
• Goodyear RL-3K, RL-4K, RL-5K (L-3 to L-5 range)
• Yokohama RL-3, RL-4, RL-5 series
• Continental EM-Master L-5 variant

Mid-tier patterns available

• BKT Earthmax SR468 (L-5)
• Aeolus AL57 (L-5)
• Techking ETOT-L5
• Triangle TB598S+ (L-4)
• MRF Muscleroc (L-5)
• Galaxy LDSR 400 series
• Double Coin REM-2 (smaller variants)