How to Change Forklift Tires - Step by Step Guide to Changing Tires on Forklifts

 Unlike changing a tire on a non-industrial vehicle, forklift tire changes can be difficult and even complicated if one is not used to the methodology. The changing process also depends entirely on whether the vehicle is fitted with press-on tires or solid pneumatic tires. The press-on tires will also require a hydraulic press, for example. Here are some practical tips on how to change the tires on a forklift without the help of a mechanic or roadside assistance.

High Contrast, Linde H80 forklift, CC BY 3.0 DE

1. Step One

The first step in changing forklift tires, whether they are GRI Tires or tires by any other manufacturer, is jacking up the forklift strategically. The next step is placing the blocks at each of the four points of the vehicle so as to suspend the machine safely while the tire change is performed. An impact gun can be used to take off the lug nuts from the front tires. This may take a while and it is crucial to be patient as each nut must be carefully kept in a box or a bag because you will need to use them to fasten the replacement tires back onto the vehicle.

2. Step Two

After installing the tires, you should remove the dust cap that is usually placed on the rear tires. The cotter pin and the castle nut must also be taken out and carefully placed in a safe area. Then, it is up to you to grease the bearings from the cushion tire. Then the new or replacement tire can be pressed-on and the nuts can be used to fasten it to the wheel cage.

3. Step One - Solid Pneumatic Tires

When changing solid forklift tires, one must once again, as in when changing press-on tires, jack the forklift and allocate the blocks to bear the weight of the vehicle during the tire changing process. Lug nuts must then be removed using an impact gun before uninstalling the tires, one by one from the forklift. The tire must be dismounted from the rim very carefully when uninstalling. This is because solid pneumatic tires, unlike press-on tires, are part of a larger wheel assembly involving several parts including a lock ring and a side ring. Split rims are also commonly used with solid pneumatic tires.

4. Step Two

The side ring must be removed first before moving on to the lock ring. Then you can safely dismount or uninstall the tire from the rim without hassle. A tire iron must then be used to pry open the top half of the split rim and remove it from the tire proper. The rim must be cleaned and inspected before the new tires are installed. Then the tire can be pressed onto the wheel cage.  Vehicles that employ split rims on their solid pneumatic tires must first press the new tire onto the bottom of the split rim and subsequently push in the top half so as to meet the tire.

 5. Changing Pneumatic Forklift Tires

There are additional steps and complications when changing pneumatic tires as the old tires must be deflated. Removing the valve core, one must make sure that there is no air in the tire casing. It is after this step that the side and lock rings can be removed for the tire to be dismounted. Checking the rim for damages and cleaning the rim is also required when changing solid pneumatic tires while the new tire must be inflated to reach the right air pressure. The correct amount of air pressure depends on the type of tire. Drivers must also check the steer linkage sections of the wheel assembly carefully to ensure nothing is out of place.