To date, no exact science or formula exists
for determining how long a set of forklift tires will last. Rather,
maintenance staff, mechanics and technicians must examine a number of factors
to determine when it’s time to find a replacement set of tires. Several factors
must be taken into consideration here, including the total number of operating
hours and intensity of use, driving habits or operator style, application type
(i.e., long runs without a load, excessive speed or rotation with a load),
operating conditions, the tire type and compound, as well as the vehicle’s
average load weight.
Note:
these figures should be used as estimations only. Determining the
exact amount of acceptable wear for a given tire depends upon the size of the tires and the conditions in which it is operated. To avoid accidents, injury or damage, regular tire
inspections should be included as part of a vehicle`s monthly maintenance schedule.
Consider replacing pneumatic forklift tires after the outside diameter has worn approximately 2” to 3". With press on cushion tires, replacements should be considered after the outside diameter is worn
by 1 1/2" or when 30-40% of the tire’s rubber is gone. Beyond tread wear, there are other signs to look for as an indication of overall tire wear including undercutting, chunking and chipping.
- Undercutting occurs as a result of overloading and sharp, aggressive steering. This causes the rubber to begin receding from the metal band at the center of the tire.
- Chunking, as the name suggests, is when large pieces or chunks of rubber detach from the surface of the tire. Common causes include collisions with objects, repetitive contact with debris or refuse, and driving over coarse/jagged terrain.
- Chipping refers to damage to the surface of the tire such as incisions, slashes, nicks, punctures, and divots. Like chunking, this is often caused when cushion tires are regularly operated on coarse or irregular surfaces.
While your forklift tires can still be
“operational” with significant wear, there are a number of benefits to replacing worn out or deteriorating forklift or lift truck tires.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, there are also financial, operational and
productivity risks to take into consideration. By avoiding the costs associated with
replacing worn out forklift tires, owners can incur far greater maintenance
fees down the road as the additional vibration, strain and shock placed on essential components can result in equipment failures, downtime and costly repairs.
Worn tires also have an impact on your operation’s productivity and efficiency as the increased vibration, instability and stress can result in above average operator strain, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to control the vehicle. This, in turn, limits the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, speed, turning capacity, and stopping power.
Worn tires also have an impact on your operation’s productivity and efficiency as the increased vibration, instability and stress can result in above average operator strain, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to control the vehicle. This, in turn, limits the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, speed, turning capacity, and stopping power.
For more information on forklift tires,
pricing or availability, please contact your nearest Stärke Material Handling
Dealer. Locations throughout Canada or the USA.
Local: (905)-227-7554 | Toll free: 1-877-435-4352
