Why Should You Inspect Forklift Tyres and Which One is the Best?

17 Dec 2022


Why Should You Inspect Forklift Tyres and Which One is the Best?

Forklifts are the lifeline of a manufacturing company, and to keep them running smoothly, you need to ensure that it is well-maintained, and forklift tyres are a cog in the wheel that calls for maintenance checks and replacement. Having good quality Forklifts with high quality Forklifts tyres will give advantages for the Forklifts performance. If you don't do so, you risk:

  • The safety of forklift operator
    The worn-out tyres are prone to chunking and cracking, which endangers the driver's life and causes driver fatigue and other physical hazards to the organization and employees. Thus checking and maintaining the Forklifts tyres quality on timely basis will give more advantages.
  • The forklift itself
    Worn-out tyres tilt the load at one end, and this, in turn, puts the forklift in danger. A loss of load and tipping becomes a real-life scenario. Having a week forklifts tyres will itself create quality issues and that will affect the forklifts performance.
  • Damage to door frames, racks and walls
    The tyres tread helps the forklift runs smoothly; without it, the operator loses control over the forklifts machine, resulting in damage to door frames, walls, concrete, production machine and the forklift itself.
  • It increases your operational costs
    Tyres act as a cushion between the forklift and the ground. Without it, you can't expect a smooth ride; the more tyres wear and tear it undergoes, the more risk it lands you into. It decreases fuel efficiency, thus hiking your operating costs.


Warning Signs That Call for Forklifts Tyres Replacement

  • Cracking or tearing of tyres
  • Flat spots visible on the tyres surface
  • Tyres reaching 50% of the wear line
  • If there is less than an inch between the lettering and tyres tops
  • If you notice uneven wear and tear between both sides of the forklift
  • Bent rims, poor tyres pressure, and misalignment are some visible signs


Always replace both forklift tyres on the same axle for safety reasons. Mismatched tyres contribute to safety and stability issues and may result in injury. It may be the new or old forklifts, maintaining the proper quality tyres is more necessary for the forklifts performance and safety.

Which Tyres should you select?

Before selecting forklifts tyres, you need to take advice from a forklift tyres expert. He will facilitate you in selecting the compound, profile and size depending on the application. Here are some pointers to guide you about how to find the tyres.

  • Find out specifications and details about the manufacturer
  • Load that tyres can carry
  • Number of shifts and trips that they can complete
  • Travel speed
  • The capacity of the forklifts
  • The surface condition of the forklift
  • Weight of the materials
  • Housekeeping issues


Which are the Best Tyres for Forklift?

Since forklifts are the modern workhorses for the industry and help carry huge loads, it is important to select the right tyres for the forklift that provides the advantage of manoeuvrability. It should also score high in terms of durability, safety, and handling.

Types of forklift Tyres and which one is the best

Forklifts tyres come in three options, cushion, solid tyres and air pneumatic tyres. Each one has its praises and scorns, but solid tyres beat them all when it comes to durability and long life span. Here are some reasons that strengthen our belief.

Durable

Solid tyres for forklifts are durable and the best choice that guarantees a long life span. They are non-pneumatic, meaning there is no air in the tyres; hence you need not worry about sudden blowout or puncture. They are the toughest and suited for different environments.

Can sustain damage

Because of their airless design, they are less susceptible to damage, and there is no need to replace them. Hence your organization won't suffer from downtime, and productivity will not be compromised.

High load-carrying capacity

Solid forklift tyres in South Africa come with high load-bearing capacity. Hence it is a better choice for warehouses and other industrial applications.

They are not susceptible to punctures

The pneumatic tyres are filled with air and can battle rough surfaces but are susceptible to punctures. If you use this forklift in an area brimming with debris, nails, and screws, the damage is guaranteed; hence, buying solid forklift tyres in South Africa is a better option. These tyres don't get punctured and are resistant to damage from sharp objects.

High life span

Solid forklifts tyres are not like common pneumatic tyres available in the market. They are more expensive than pneumatic tyres but have an exceptionally long lifecycle and can stand up to wear and tear better.

Ideal for recycling industries

Solid forklifts tyres are made from solid rubber. They are durable and can't be deflated, making them perfect for recycling industries or lumberyards.

Enhanced productivity

From increased traction to durability, these forklifts tyres are tough, reliable and have a long life span. Solid tyres are the best choice for forklifts because they can sustain a lot of damage and are maintenance-free, resulting in low downtime and higher productivity in your warehouse.

Solid Tyres Prevent Heat Build-up.

Forklifts generally run for long periods, generating a lot of heat, which causes damage to pneumatic tyres. However, solid tyres are rugged, prevent heat build-up, and are suitable for busy warehouses.

They are safe

The forklifts require a lot of stability to perform the job. Otherwise, it could be a risk for the operators. Solid tyres have a large footprint that boosts the tyre’s surface area, contributing to the driver's safety.

They have different layers of rubber to make them maintenance-free.

The construction of solid tyres has different types of rubber on them. It entails a tread layer, middle layer and heel layer with bead reinforcements. Because of so much layering, they are maintenance-free, have high mileage and have low cost.

These are some benefits of selecting solid forklift tyres over other tyres.

Sign off

Forklifts are dangerous machines, and many unfortunate incidents and even deaths occur due to manhandling them. Hence you need to take care of it; otherwise, you risk the safety of workers and equipment in the warehouse. Maintaining and replacing the tyres is part and parcel of it. Regular inspection helps in

  • Maintaining the safety of the forklift
  • The smooth running of the forklift
  • Maximizing the performance and minimizing wear and tear in the warehouse


Apart from that, having the right tyres can make a big difference, so experts suggest you swap your traditional tyres with solid forklift tyres. They are the best tyres known for their durability and long life span. If you are eager to learn about it or want to know if it is the right choice, connect with experts at The Forkman. Our trained staff will educate you about these tyres and whether it gives you absolute value and support. If you have any questions related to it or about their offers, you can contact our forklift safety experts. We offer a complete lineup of tyres to overcome industrial applications' challenges and dissipate safety hazards. Visit our website www.forkman.co.za or 012 804 2383 for more Tailift Forklift Trucks in South Africa.