How to Know When it’s Time for New Forklift Tires
Having good tires on your lift is like having the right shoes on your feet. You want support, grip, stability, shock absorption and performance. And like your shoes, they aren’t able to perform forever.
Forklift tires wear out from normal abrasion, heat exposure from friction or sun damage, chemicals on the floor and travelling over uneven ground/floors. So, how do you know when it’s time for new forklift tires? There are different kinds of tires; cushion, air-filled pneumatic and solid pnuematic. Here are our tips for knowing when it’s time for “new shoes”.
Cushion tires are pressed-on with a large hydraulic tire press. They are intended for inside use on solid floors or on pavement if used outdoors. Usually the tire size is printed on the outside wall of the tire. A good rule of thumb for press-on tires is to replace them when they are worn down to the top of the numbers. Some tires also have a safety wear line.
Air filled pneumatic tires can be used inside or outside but are typically chose for outdoor use. When the tread pattern is worn away it’s time for a new set.
Resilient solid pneumatic tires. These have wear marks on the sidewalls. It is unsafe to allow the tires to be worn below this line.
Be on the lookout for tires that are chunked, have flat spots, cracks or tears, cords showing or have dry rot. They should be replaced right away. These conditions can cause load imbalances which can be dangerous.
We’d be happy to check your tires for you and get you pricing if it’s time for new ones.
Contact one of our Service Managers today:
Buffalo (Erie, Niagara & Wyoming) (716) 893-6105
Jamestown (Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany) (833) 311-5534
(Thanks go to Chris Lauritson, Parts Manager in Frewsburg for his contribution to this week’s blog post)