Maintaining your forklift is crucial for its efficient operation and the safety of your operators. Tires are often overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance, despite being one of the most crucial components. Worn tires can lead to damage to the forklift’s wheels, axles, or forks, and create a hazardous work environment for operators. Here are some useful tips to help you identify warning signs indicating the need for tire replacement.
Check for Wear
Depending on the tire type, it is important to recognize when your tires are worn and require replacement. The tire size is usually printed on the outer side for press-on tires. When the tire wears down to the top of these numbers, it’s time to replace them. For air-filled pneumatic tires, monitor the tread pattern. If it becomes eroded or worn down, it’s time for a replacement. Solid pneumatic tires typically exhibit wear marks on the sidewalls, and it’s unsafe to use them once the tires are worn below this line.
Chunking
If you notice pieces or chunks of rubber falling off your forklift tires, it’s a clear indication that they need to be replaced. Chunking can be caused by debris on the floor or rough surfaces. Tires missing rubber chunks can cause vibrations or instability in the forklift.
Tearing
Similar to chunking, if the rubber on your tires is tearing apart in certain areas, immediate replacement is necessary. Tearing often occurs when a forklift runs over sharp edges, rough terrain, or other hazardous debris.
Replacing your tires can make a significant difference in creating a safe and productive workplace, preventing lost loads, forklift damage, and operator injuries. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your forklift tires, make sure to replace them with durable options made of high-quality materials.
