It can be simple to overlook the essential tire, when it comes to the maintenance of the forklift. When you select the wrong tire for your forklift, you can put large increases on your operating expenses, and more significantly increase your safety risks. If on the other hand, you select correct tire you can enjoy substantial cost-savings, improved safety and an overall more effective operation. A correctly selected tire can actually decrease the downtime for replacement and probably last 40% longer.
The forklift tire is a somewhat complex component of the machine. It is thus, easy to choose the wrong one accidentally. There are so many different brands of tires and types, with different treads and compounds. This means you have to be completely prepared with the right information when you are purchasing tires so that you can choose some safe and durable alternatives to help prolong the life of your lift truck.
The particular kind of tire chosen for a forklift depends on the type of surface you would be using the machinery on. Like for example, indoor applications and smooth surfaces generally utilize tires which are made from rubber and that are a smaller size. On the contrary, outdoor operations require pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires are filled with compressed air and have a rubber tread. These features give them a good grip on surfaces that are uneven and rough.
Forklift Tire Safety
Each year, there are approximately 200 people killed in accidents related for forklift use. Ensuring forklift safety, like proper inspection practices, could all contribute in to preventing these dangerous and terrible mishaps from happening.
Pre-Work Check
Prior to each shift, the lift truck's tires need to be checked. Ideally, they should have the proper air pressure, as set forth by the maker. This is really important because if the tire pressure is too low, the machinery could inadvertently tip over when a load is being raised.
Types
For indoor work, forklifts that have solid tires made out of rubber are the most suitable choice.
Other factors
OSHA or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration places a requirement on the continual utilization of forklifts. These lift trucks should be inspected at the end of every shift. The driver must inspect the equipment for any type of mechanical issues and the tires must be inspected for excessive wear, cuts or apparent damage to the tires. Any issues which are detected need to be addressed as soon as possible to maintain safety.