How to Safely Replace a Forklift Tire – A Key Guide for Forklift Users

 There is no doubt that the tires would be a vitally important component when using forklifts. Therefore, forklift users must have a good understanding of when the time is right to change these tires which in turn offers many benefits. By replacing forklift tires promptly, it will be possible for you to minimise operational downtime, sustain consistent levels of productivity and lessen the likelihood of accidents to workers and injuries.

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 Understand the factors that cause tire wear

There will be several factors that cause tire wear and determine how soon you will have to replace a forklift tire. Naturally, one of these would be the actual tire usage; a forklift that is used a greater number of hours will have more tire wear. Another factor would be the driving practices of the operators; should the operators practice rapid stops and starts or abrupt cornering, tire life would be lessened. The conditions of the floors will also impact tire life, with smooth floors helping to prolong the tire lifespan. On the other hand, driving frequently on uneven or rough surfaces would cause you to change the tires sooner. The worksite conditions and the type of tire used can also affect the tire lifespan and should be kept in mind.

 Know when to replace a forklift tire

You will be able to tell when a forklift tire must be changed by several indicators. One of these would be the tread wear of a tire; in the case of a pneumatic tire, should the tread be worn out or if bald spots are present, it should be replaced. When it comes to solid forklift tires, they should be changed when the tire is over two inches smaller than its initial size. If there are tears or cuts on a tire, you should change all four to maintain the proper functioning of your forklift. Another reason to replace tires would be chunking, which may take place when a solid tire is damaged by a piece of metal or other sharp material.

 Replace the tire correctly

When replacing a forklift tire, there is a process to be followed. First, the technician must jack up the forklift using a suitable jack. After unscrewing and removing the wheel, the old tire should be unmounted. Next, the wheel should be attached to the tire press, after which the tire may be mounted or pressed to the wheel. The wheel should then be reattached to the forklift and following this, the vehicle may be lowered to the ground. Finally, you should test the rolling and balance of the forklift to ensure that it functions properly. When it comes to purchasing forklift tires, a purveyor to consider would be GRI Tires; such tire manufactures offer specialised products with features like greater lug depth, low rolling resistance, abrasion resistance tread compound and increased traction.

 Take care not to just replace one tire

When a tire is replaced on one side of a forklift, it is vital to replace the tire on the opposite side as well. This is because replacing only a single tire would be exceedingly unsafe. If there happens to be a worn-out tire on one side and a fresh tire on the other, the forklift will be unbalanced; thereby it will be more likely that the forklift could tip over or skid when transporting loads. This could result in serious injury to the employees at your worksite. Generally, to maintain safety it will be vital to replace forklift tires promptly to avoid serious consequences.  In fact, the cost of a pair of forklift tires would be negligible in comparison to the overall cost of a major accident at your workplace. Whilst this guide outlines the process of replacing forklift tires, you should always avail yourself of professional services so that it is carried out with proper care and safety.