A Guide To Forklift Tires – Finding The Right Type And Maintaining It!

The two most common tire types are solid tires and pneumatic tires. Solid tires are the quite commonly used industrial tires, often manufactured and sold by corporations such as GRI Tires. Solid tires don't puncture and thus last longer. They can be ideal indoors and outdoors but it is not recommended to use on uneven rough terrains. Pneumatic tires are filled with air and are made of strong wear resistant rubber which extends their life. These tires can be used on uneven surfaces. Other tire types include Cushion tires, a press on tires ideal for use in warehouses and smooth pavements and Polyurethane tires which are commonly used for forklifts that work indoors. These press-on tires has a long life due to their low rolling resistance. Non-marking tires are solid tires which are designed not to leave any black marks on the floors; ideal to use in factories for grocery and food processing.

There are two ways forklift tires can be fixed; standard or press on. Standard tires need to be fitted in the exact way that car tires are fitted whereas press on tires are more straightforward to fit on a forklift. These tires are less durable though, especially when it's running on uneven surfaces or rough terrain. The size of a tire should be determined by first deciding on the approximate load amount on each forklift wheel. Generally, picking the tires with the lowest inflation pressure when it carries the load is the best type of tire. Another important factor to consider while choosing tires is how often the forklift would be used and the conditions under which it will be used. For regular, continuous work, especially over rough terrain, pneumatic tires are the ideal option, whereas rubber tires should be used on even surfaces. Polyurethane tires should only be used indoors.

The key to maintaining your tires is to ensure there is air pressure on each tire is at a correct, standard level. This should be checked at least once a month. Keep in mind to cover all valves with a cap to avoid dirt from getting inside the tire. Refrain from bleeding the tire to release air pressure will increase the heat build-up and cause severe damage to the tire.

Driving your forklift the right way can only increase the life span of the tires. Avoid sudden starts, abrupt breakingand quick spinning and turning corners at high speeds.

Tires should ideally be stored in a dirt and oil free area that's dark and cool, and keeping it away from active electric engines. Tires should not be stored for long periods of time. Solid tires usually last longer than pneumatic tires if worked under the right conditions.