When it comes to maintaining the lift truck, it can be easy to overlook the simple yet important tire. If you select the wrong tire, you can end up accidentally with a huge increase in fleet operating costs, or increased safety risks, which is worse yet. If on the other hand, you choose right type of tire you could enjoy substantial cost-savings, improved safety and an overall more efficient operation. A properly selected tire could really reduce the downtime for replacement and potentially last 40% longer.
Tires are actually somewhat complex parts on the equipment; therefore, it is easy to pick the wrong type accidentally. There are numerous different kinds of tires and brands, with different treads and compounds. This means you should be fully prepared with the right data when you are purchasing tires so that you can decide on some safe and tough alternatives to help prolong the life of your forklift.
Your business must decide on the particular tire for their equipment based on the kind of surface the machinery would be operated on. Smoother surfaces and indoor applications for example, would normally utilize tires that are smaller in size and made from rubber. On the other hand, outdoor operations require pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have a rubber tread and are filled with compressed air. These features give them a great grip on uneven and rough surfaces.
Forklift Tire Safety
Each and every year, 200 individuals are killed in lift truck or forklift related accidents each year. Ensuring forklift safety, like for example correct inspection practices, could all contribute in to preventing these horrible and dangerous mishaps from taking place.
Pre-Work Inspection
The tires of the lift truck have to be checked before each shift. Tires should ideally have the right air pressure, which is set by the tire manufacturer. This is very vital because if the tire pressure is too low, the machinery can accidentally tip over when a load is being raised.
Types
For indoor work, lift trucks that have solid tires made out of rubber are the best choice.
Other Considerations
Occupational Health and Safety Administration or OSHA places a requirement on the continual utilization of lift trucks. These lift trucks must be checked at the end of every shift. The operator must inspect the equipment for any type of mechanical problems and the tires need to be looked over for cuts, excessive wear or apparent tire damage. Any problems that are detected need to be addressed as soon as possible to maintain safety.