Material Handling

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Let's Get Rollin'


Tires are a pivotal instrument in keeping our vehicles rolling. This includes our forklifts, but forklift tires are a little different than those of a regular car. Find out what you need to know to make an informed decision on purchasing tires for your forklift by skimming our blog!
  
How Much Do You Know?
1.     There are typically how many ways to fit a forklift for tires?
a.     1
b.     2
c.     3
2.     Different tires support different forklift capacities.
a.     True
b.     False
3.     Which type of forklift tire is best for indoor use?                
a.     Polyurethane
b.     Pneumatic
c.     Solid
4.     What is the best way to store tires?
a.     In a light, warm, clean area.
b.     In a light, cool, clean area.
c.     In a dark, warm, clean area.
d.     In a dark, cool, clean area.

Get This…
Like many other aspects of a forklift, not all tires are created equal. For this reason, it is important to know what kind of tires are best for your forklift and the job you are trying to get done. Below is a list of today’s most common forklift tire types.
·       Cushion Tires: Used in warehouses and on smooth pavement. These tires are a great choice when space is limited because they have a smaller turning radius then pneumatic tires.
·       Solid Tires: Good for indoor and light outdoor use. These tires are not filled with air, making them long lasting.
·       Pneumatic Tires: Made for rugged outdoor work these tires are filled with air and treaded.
·       Polyurethane: Great for indoor use, very low rolling resistance! These tires are typically used on electric trucks since they can support more weight than cushion tires.
·       Specialty Tires:
o   No-mark tires: Typically used in areas where foods are stored because skid marks are often prohibited. These tires come in a white or grey color, and typically have a shorter lifespan than other tires.
o   Foam Fill: These are used in businesses where tire punctures are likely to occur.
Choosing forklift tires can be a mundane task but taking the time to do it right is incredibly important. Things to consider while choosing a tire include: Capacity, hours of use, manufacturer approval, handling, and turning characteristics.   

 
Can You Answer This Question???
When should I replace my forklift’s tires?
A.    When the wear ring is exposed.
B.    When almost all of the tread, especially the outside is gone.
C.    When chords are exposed.
D.    All of the above.
There are many factors that play a part in replacing your forklift’s tires. Choosing D in this case would be the correct answer. Never underestimate the power of communication; asking your operators how the ride is feeling can give you a lot of insight to whether new tires are necessary.
Warning: Never replace one tire without replacing the others! This can cause your forklift to be unbalanced and encourage tipping and skidding.   

  
Get The Facts!
Tires can be purchased either new or used and their prices can vary accordingly.
Cushion: $42 to $150 new; $20 to $75 used
Pneumatic: $99 to $1000 new; $25 to $400 used
Polyurethane: $45 to $140 new; $20 to $75 used
Other factors that influence the price range of tires include things like: warranty, quality of rubber compounds, availability, and quality of construction. 

…So Call
Have additional questions and concerns about tires? Then get in touch with us! You can reach us by calling (513) 842-2012 or e-mailing us at omega.rockett@yahoo.com