It could really be simple to overlook the important tire, when it comes to the maintenance of the forklift. When you choose the wrong tire for your lift truck, you can put large increases on your operating costs, and more significantly increase your safety risks. If on the other hand, you select correct kind of tire you can enjoy substantial cost-savings, improved safety and an overall more efficient operation. A properly selected tire can really lessen the downtime for replacement and potentially last 40 percent longer.
Tires are really somewhat complex parts on the equipment; thus, it is easy to choose the wrong one accidentally. There are numerous different brands of tires and types, with various compounds and treads. This means you must be completely prepared with the right data when you are going shopping for tires so that you can decide on some safe and durable options to help extend the life of your forklift.
The specific type of tire selected for a forklift depends on the type of surface you will be using the machinery on. Like for instance, smoother surfaces and indoor applications normally utilize tires that are made from rubber and that are smaller in size. On the other hand, outdoor applications need pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have a rubber tread and are filled with compressed air. These features give them a good grip on surfaces that are uneven and rough.
Lift Truck Tire Safety
Each year, there are about 200 individuals killed in accidents related for lift truck use. Ensuring lift truck safety, like for example proper inspection practices, could all contribute in to preventing these dangerous and horrible accidents from occurring.
Pre-Work Check
Before each and every shift, the lift truck's tires have to be inspected. Ideally, they must have the proper air pressure, as set forth by the maker. This is very vital because if the tire pressure is very low, the machine could inadvertently tip over when a load is being lifted.
Kinds
The tires used on indoor forklifts would be made out of solid rubber.
Other factors
Occupational Health and Safety Administration or OSHA places a requirement on the frequent utilization of lift trucks. These lift trucks must be inspected at the end of every shift. The driver needs to check the equipment for any type of mechanical problems and the tires should be looked over for cuts, excessive wear or obvious tire damage. Any issues that are detected must be dealt with as soon as possible to maintain safety.