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.
