Critical Signs It’s Time To Replace Forklift Tires

Forklifts do not have suspensions, so tires are alone responsible for softening the ride for the load and the driver. Forklift tires traverse over rough terrain and carry thousands of pounds at one time – bearing the brunt of your daily operations. Tires must be properly maintained to make stopping, turning, reversing and accelerating safer and more efficient.

Newly replaced forklift tires can offer benefits like reduced fuel consumption, maximized efficiency and increased traction. Not to mention the fact that new tires reduce shock which creates a much more comfortable and safer ride for the operator.

But when do you replace forklift tires? Here are four clear indicators that can help you make that decision.

• Tires worn over the wear line.  Some tires have a safety line built into the side of the tire. You should replace your tires before they wear to this line.
• Chunking.  Driving over rough terrain can wear chunks of rubber to come loose – and this makes your forklift shake and unstable. If pieces of your forklift tire are falling off, it’s time to replace them.
• Cuts & Tears.  Cuts into the forklift tire are caused by running over debris or sharp edges and make the truck unstable, especially for heavy loads.
• Flat-Spots.  Your tires should be round! But over time, they can develop flat areas during acceleration or sudden stops with heavy loads.

Keep in mind, when you’re inspecting your forklift tires look for any additional signs of wear on each individual tire and rim. If it’s an air-filled tire, be aware of the tire pressure – keep them at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Replacing forklift tires can be dangerous – you should always leave this to trained technicians. Our qualified service techs are here to help… call today! 800-856.0931