It can be simple to neglect the essential tire, when it comes to the maintenance of the lift truck. When you pick the wrong tire for your forklift, you can put huge increases on your operating expenses, and more importantly increase your safety risks. If on the other hand, you choose right tire you could enjoy substantial cost-savings, improved safety and an overall more effective operation. A correctly selected tire can actually decrease the downtime for replacement and probably last 40% longer.
The lift truck tire is a somewhat complex component of the machine. It is therefore, 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 should be completely prepared with the correct information when you are buying tires so that you could select some safe and tough options to help prolong the life of your forklift.
The particular type of tire chosen for a lift truck depends on the kind of surface you will be using the machine on. Like for example, smoother surfaces and indoor applications usually utilize tires which are made from rubber and that are smaller in size. On the contrary, outdoor applications require pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have a rubber tread and are filled with compressed air. These features give them a good grip on surfaces which are rough and uneven.
Lift Truck Tire Safety
Each year, there are roughly 200 individuals killed in accidents related for forklift use. Ensuring lift truck safety, such as proper inspection practices, could all contribute in to preventing these terrible and dangerous mishaps from occurring.
Pre-Work Check
Prior to every shift, the lift truck's tires need to be checked. Ideally, they must have the proper air pressure, as set forth by the manufacturer. This is really important because if the tire pressure is too low, the machinery could accidentally tip over when a load is being raised.
Kinds
The tires used on indoor forklifts will be made out of solid rubber.
Other Considerations
Occupational Health and Safety Administration or OSHA places a requirement on the frequent use of lift trucks. These lift trucks should be checked at the end of every shift. The driver needs to check the machine for any kind of mechanical problems and the tires have to be checked for excessive wear, cuts or obvious damage to the tires. Any problems which are detected have to be addressed as soon as possible to maintain safety.