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When Should Forklift Tires Be Replaced?

When Should Forklift Tires Be Replaced

Forklift tires are crucial for the vehicle’s mobility, stability, safety, and cost-efficiency. Damaged tires can affect forklift performance and pose health risks to operators, especially for electric forklifts which rely heavily on optimal tire condition.

Types of Forklift Tires

Forklift tires come in two main types:

  1. Solid Tires
  2. Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires
Solid Tires
Solid Tires
Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires
Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires

Comparing Solid and Pneumatic Tires

  • Pneumatic Tires: Commonly used on standard and electric forklifts, ideal for uneven terrain, and provide good traction.
  • Solid Tires: Suitable for worksites with nails, sharp rocks, or debris on the ground because they are less prone to damage.

When to Replace Forklift Tires

  1. Lifespan: Typically, forklift tires, including those on electric forklifts, last 4-5 years. Replace them after five years, even if wear is minimal.
  2. Tread Wear: Replace tires when the tread depth is less than 1.6mm.
  3. Repair Frequency: If tires have been repaired more than three times, replace them to reduce the risk of blowouts.

Forklift Tire Warranty

  • Usage Hours: Manufacturers often guarantee performance for over 1000 hours. If tires wear out before that, they will compensate.
  • Tread Warranty: Manufacturers guarantee compensation if there are quality issues before the tread wears out or reaches 50% wear.
  • Load and Run Time:
    • Pneumatic Tires: Typically last 5000-6000 hours on smooth concrete surfaces.
    • Solid Tires: Can last 12000-16000 hours.

Spare Tire Usage

  • Full-Size Spare: No distance limit but must be driven at low speeds.
  • Non-Full-Size Spare: Limited to 80 km/h and should not be driven more than 100 kilometers. Long-term use is not recommended.

Causes of Forklift Tire Wear or Damage

  • Road Conditions: Poor road conditions can increase friction and dynamic load, reducing tire lifespan.
  • Load and Tire Pressure: Incorrect load and tire pressure, combined with high speed, cause tires to heat up, wear out faster, and even suffer structural damage.
  • Oil and Chemical Exposure: Exposure to oil and acidic substances, along with high temperatures, weakens tire material and increases the risk of blowouts. Such damage is often irreparable.
  • Lack of Regular Replacement: Not rotating or replacing tires regularly leads to uneven load distribution and faster wear.
  • High Temperatures: Heat reduces rubber strength and bonding, causing cracks and deformation, especially in older tires, which can lead to blowouts.

Tips for Extending Tire Lifespan

  • Follow load and pressure guidelines.
  • Maintain the forklift in good condition.
  • Drive carefully.
  • Choose and match tires appropriately.
  • Ensure even load distribution.

Daily Forklift Tire Maintenance

  • Check Air Pressure Regularly: Inspect and adjust tire pressure monthly.
  • Remove Debris: Keep the tire surface clean from stones and other debris.
  • Repair Small Holes Promptly: Fix small punctures to prevent further damage.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

  • Summer: Avoid overheating tires. Park in the shade and never use cold water to cool down hot tires.
  • Winter: Place wooden boards under tires if parked outside for long periods. Accelerate slowly until the tires warm up.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of forklift tires, especially for electric forklifts. Regularly check wheel alignment, steering components, bearings, and suspension systems. This ensures the forklift runs safely and the tires last longer. Remember, “a stitch in time saves nine” – proactive care is always better than reactive repairs.