When it comes to maintaining the forklift, it can be easy to neglect the simple yet important tire. If you choose the wrong tire, you can end up accidentally with a huge increase in fleet operating costs, or increased safety risks, which is worse yet. If on the other hand, you choose correct tire you could enjoy improved safety, significant cost-savings and an overall more efficient operation. A correctly selected tire could really decrease the downtime for replacement and potentially last 40% longer.
Tires are really somewhat complex components on the equipment; thus, it is easy to choose the wrong type accidentally. There are so many different types of tires and brands, with different compounds and treads. This means you need to be fully prepared with the correct information when you are purchasing tires so that you could select some tough and safe alternatives to help prolong the life of your forklift.
The specific type of tire selected for a lift truck depends on the kind of surface you would be utilizing the machine on. For example, smoother surfaces and indoor applications normally utilize tires that are made from rubber and that are a smaller size. On the contrary, outdoor operations need pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have a rubber tread and are filled with compressed air. These features give them a good grip on uneven and rough surfaces.
Forklift Tire Safety
Each year, there are roughly 200 people killed in accidents related for forklift use. Ensuring forklift safety, like for instance correct inspection practices, could all contribute in to avoiding these terrible and dangerous mishaps from happening.
Pre-Work Check
Before each shift, the lift truck's tires have to be inspected. Ideally, they must have the right air pressure, as set forth by the maker. This is extremely essential because if the tire pressure is very low, the machine could accidentally tip over when a load is being lifted.
Types
For indoor work, lift trucks which have solid tires made out of rubber are the best option.
Other Considerations
OSHA or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration places a requirement on the continual utilization of lift trucks. These forklifts are required to be checked at the end of every shift. The driver must check the machinery for any type of mechanical issues and the tires should be checked for cuts, excessive wear or obvious damage to the tires. Any problems that are detected should be dealt with as soon as possible to maintain safety.