When it comes to maintaining the lift truck, it can be easy to neglect the simple yet important tire. If you choose the wrong tire, you can end up accidentally with a huge increase in fleet operating expenses, or increased safety risks, which is worse yet. If however, you pick right type of tire you could enjoy significant cost-savings, improved safety and an overall more efficient operation. A properly chosen tire can really lessen the downtime for replacement and probably last 40 percent longer.
Tires are really somewhat complex components on the machine; therefore, it is easy to choose the wrong one accidentally. There are so many different kinds of tires and brands, with various compounds and treads. This means you need to be fully prepared with the correct information when you are buying tires so that you can choose some durable and safe options to help extend the life of your forklift.
The specific type of tire selected for a lift truck depends on the kind of surface you will be utilizing the equipment on. For example, indoor applications and smooth surfaces generally utilize tires that are made from rubber and that are a smaller size. On the other hand, outdoor applications require pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires have a rubber tread and are filled with compressed air. These features give them a great grip on uneven and rough surfaces.
Forklift Tire Safety
Each and every year, 200 individuals are killed in forklift or lift truck related accidents each year. Ensuring forklift 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 inspected. Ideally, they must have the right air pressure, as set forth by the manufacturer. This is extremely essential because if the tire pressure is very low, the machinery could inadvertently tip over when a load is being lifted.
Kinds
For indoor work, forklifts that have solid tires made out of rubber are the most suitable alternative.
Other Considerations
OSHA or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration places a requirement on the frequent use of forklifts. These lift trucks are required to be inspected at the end of each shift. The operator must check the equipment for any type of mechanical problems and the tires should be inspected for cuts, excessive wear or apparent damage to the tires. Any issues that are detected must be addressed as soon as possible to maintain safety.