It is important that each part of your forklift is maintained in order to provide operators with a safe and effective machine and maintaining the tyres is one such aspect. Tyre maintenance is commonly overlooked, unfortunately, resulting in expensive repairs and replacements of various mechanical parts, not to mention the immediate safety concerns. Maintaining your forklift’s tyres and keeping them in good condition will reduce wear and tear, avoiding future costly replacements and repairs. Having a proper tyre monitoring plan will significantly improve running expenses and help improve overall safety.
So, how do you maintain your forklift’s tyres? Here’s how we ensure your forklift’s tyres are kept top quality and don’t suffer from wear and tear consequences which will occur if not maintained properly.
Regular Forklift Tyre Inspections
Daily inspections of tyres is essential to maintain optimum operating conditions. Checking for damaged, cut or torn tread, or for any foreign material stuck in the tyres, as well as inspecting tread depth and uneven wear are relatively quick inspections that form part of preventative maintenance against unwanted damages and downtime. Forklifts typically have no form of suspension as they are designed to carry heavy loads with a high level of vertical stability. The only form of cushioning is the tyres. All bumps, vibration and knocks get absorbed by the forklift through its axles and mounts etc, therefore good tyre life helps dissipate the strain and wear on these parts. Worn tyres do not have this extra cushion and can lead to excessive wear and damages leading to far greater expenses down the line.
Whilst pneumatic tyres are not as common as the solid tyres, it must be mentioned that incorrect tyre pressure can create wear and tear issues. Monitoring the air pressure is a good measure to incorporate on a daily inspection.
Check Driving Style To Ensure Forklift Tyre Longevity
The way operators drive significantly affects wear and tear on the tyres. Refrain from sudden braking, taking corners at excessive speeds or changing between forward and reverse directions swiftly without correctly slowing to a stop first. These high impact movements can wear out your tyres and fast. Also ensure that operators do not drive over surfaces which may cause scratches, holes, chunking of the tread or punctures on pneumatic tyres. Poorly maintained or rough surfaces lead to fast tread wear and also contribute to damages of the forklift.
Reasons To Maintain Your Forklift’s Tyres
Compromised tyres can affect the handling of your forklift, turning it into a mobile hazard. Therefore, maintaining your forklift and its tyres should be a part of your regular fleet maintenance. This will help keep your forklift operating at high efficiency. Forklift repairs are costly, but preventative tyre maintenance will help you keep your costs down. Good grip and tyre pressure mean your forklift will operate as safely as possible.
For more information about forklift maintenance, tyres and replacements, contact us today.