When it comes to maintaining the forklift, it could really be easy to neglect the simple yet important tire. If you choose the wrong tire, you can end up accidentally with a huge increase in fleet operating expenses, or increased safety risks, which is worse yet. If on the other hand, you choose right type of tire you could enjoy improved safety, substantial cost-savings and an overall more efficient operation. A correctly selected tire can actually lessen the downtime for replacement and probably last 40 percent longer.
Tires are really somewhat complex parts on the equipment; thus, it is easy to choose the wrong type accidentally. There are so many different types of tires and brands, with various treads and compounds. This means you should be fully prepared with the right data when you are purchasing tires so that you can select some durable and safe options to help extend the life of your forklift.
The specific type of tire selected for a forklift depends on the type of surface you will be using the machine on. For example, smoother surfaces and indoor applications usually use tires that are made from rubber and that are smaller in size. On the other hand, outdoor applications need pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires are filled with compressed air and have a rubber tread. These features give them a good grip on uneven and rough surfaces.
Forklift Tire Safety
Every year, 200 individuals are killed in lift truck or forklift related accidents each year. Ensuring lift truck safety, like correct inspection practices, can all contribute in to avoiding these dangerous and horrible mishaps from taking place.
Pre-Work Check
The tires of the lift truck needs to be inspected before each shift. Tires should ideally have the proper air pressure, that is set by the manufacturer of the tire. This is very essential because if the tire pressure is very low, the equipment can inadvertently tip over when a load is being lifted.
Kinds
For indoor work, forklifts that have solid tires made out of rubber are the best alternative.
Other factors
OSHA or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration places a requirement on the continual use of lift trucks. These lift trucks must be inspected at the end of each and every shift. The driver must inspect the machine for any mechanical issues and the tires must be inspected for excessive wear, cuts or apparent tire damage. Any issues which are detected should be addressed as soon as possible to maintain safety.