Forklift tyres are a critical component of any forklift truck. However, like any other vehicle tyre, forklift tyres are subject to wear and tear over time. Knowing when to replace your forklift tyres is essential for maintaining optimal performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Key signs like visible damage, excessive wear, reduced traction, and increased vibration mean it’s time to change the tyre.
Why Is It Important to Monitor Forklift Tyre Condition?
Regularly inspecting your forklift tyres and replacing them when necessary is crucial for several reasons:
- Safety – Worn or damaged tyres can compromise the stability and handling of your forklift truck, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Productivity – Tyres in poor condition can lead to reduced traction, slower speeds, and decreased load capacity, impacting overall operational efficiency.
- Cost savings – Timely tyre replacement can help prevent more extensive damage to your forklift and reduce the risk of costly breakdowns and downtime.
What Are the Signs of Worn Forklift Tyres?
Watch out for these key indicators that your forklift tyres may need replacing:
1. Visible Damage
Inspect your forklift tyres regularly for signs of physical damage, such as:
- Cuts, tears, or punctures in the tyre surface
- Chunking or missing pieces of rubber
- Exposed or damaged reinforcement materials (e.g., steel bands or wires)
If you notice any of these issues, don’t use the forklift. Promptly replace the affected tyre to prevent further damage and ensure safe operation.
2. Excessive Wear
Forklift tyres are designed with wear indicators, which are typically located in the tread grooves. When the tyre tread wears down to the level of these indicators, it’s time to replace the tyre.
Uneven wear patterns can also signal issues with your forklift’s alignment, suspension, or operating conditions. If you notice uneven wear, consult with a professional to identify and address the underlying cause.
3. Reduced Traction
If your forklift seems to slip or slide, especially on wet or oily surfaces, the tyres may have lost their grip. This can be due to worn tread patterns or hardening of the tyre compound over time. Reduced traction can compromise your forklift’s handling and stability, increasing the risk of collisions or tipping cargo.
4. Increased Vibration
As forklift tyres wear down or become damaged, you may feel increased vibration during operation. This can lead to operator discomfort, reduced productivity, and potentially damage other forklift components.
So, if vibration becomes very apparent while driving the forklift, inspect your tyres for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
How to Choose the Right Replacement Forklift Tyres
Once you see the forklift’s tyres need replacing, keep these three factors in mind when buying new ones:
1. Tyre Type
There are three main types of forklift tyres:
- Pneumatic tyres – These air-filled tyres offer a more comfortable ride and better traction on uneven surfaces. They’re suitable for outdoor use and rough terrain.
- Solid tyres – Also known as resilient tyres, these are made of solid rubber. Solid tyres are puncture-proof and ideal for indoor use on smooth, hard surfaces. They offer high load capacity and stability.
- Press-on tyres – These tyres fit securely on a forklift’s hub because they’re ‘pressed on’ with a hydraulic press. This means these cushion or band tyres can handle bigger loads and offer more stability than other tyre types.
2. Size and Load Capacity
Your replacement tyres must be the correct size and load capacity for your specific forklift model. Consult your forklift’s manual or contact a professional for guidance.
3. Brand and Quality
Invest in high-quality tyres from reputable brands to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Leading forklift tyre brands include Trelleborg, Continental, Camso, and Solideal.
Proper Forklift Tyre Fitment and Maintenance
Simply replacing your forklift tyres isn’t enough—you also have to properly fit and maintain them to get the most out of them. This means:
- Always having your tyres fitted by a qualified professional to ensure correct installation and alignment.
- Regularly inspecting your tyres for signs of wear, damage, or uneven wear patterns.
- Maintaining proper tyre pressure (for pneumatic tyres) as specified by the manufacturer.
- Rotating your tyres periodically to promote even wear and extend their life.
- Cleaning your tyres regularly to remove debris and chemicals that can degrade the rubber compound.
TAG Us When Your Tyres Get Tired
Don’t wait until worn tyres compromise your forklift’s performance or safety. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned in this guide, it’s time to consider replacements.
Our team is ready to help you select the right tyres for your specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. With our wide selection of tyres and our commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust TAG Forklift Trucks to keep your material handling equipment running smoothly and safely. Call us today on 0161 848 0555 or complete our online enquiry form.
