tyres for forklifts do far more than just help the truck travel from A to B.
Lift truck tyres transmit the torque of the lift truck to the ground, helping to provide the necessary stability for movement. With such an important role to play, it’s important to select the right type of tyre for the needs of a specific application. But do you know enough about lift truck tyres to make the right choice?
To help you get started, here is our quick guide to some of the key things you should know about tyres for forklifts.
What type of forklift tyre is best?
There are three types of tyres for forklifts in use today, which all bring their own advantages and disadvantages.
• Pneumatic tyres (for example radial tyres) are the same type usually used on motor vehicles. On a forklift, these tyres can offer a higher level of operator comfort thanks to their good suspension properties. They also provide good ground contact and are ideal for outdoor use, recognising the tread pattern. However, the air pressure should be checked regularly and even very minor damage to the tyre can lead to failure.
• Solid rubber tyres (sometimes recognised as cushion tyres) are usually best suited for indoor use on smooth, even surfaces. They have good puncture resistance as the tyre is entirely made of rubber with no inflation needed and has a high load capacity. Solid tyres are available with either a smooth tread or a tread pattern.
Foreign bodies are less likely to get stuck in fully treadless tyres, but there are disadvantages to these drum tyres too. Such as less suspension and the resulting higher stress on the vehicle and driver.
• Super Elastic tyres (also called pneumatic shaped solid tyres) are solid tyres mounted on rims that are also suitable for pneumatic tyres. They combine many of the characteristics of cushion tyres with similar comfort to air-filled tyres. For areas where there is a risk of tyre damage, super elastic tyres are usually recommended.
Since super-elastic tyres are not filled with air, they are puncture resistant, just like solid rubber tyres. They have a multi-layer structure a tread, and are somewhat harder than pneumatic tyres, but much softer than solid rubber tyres. For this reason, they can at least partially ‘cushion’ bumps and shocks.
How do you take care of tyres for forklifts?
It depends on the tyre type.
Pneumatic tyres must be permanently checked for residual tread depth, damage and air pressure. Forklift trucks equipped with pneumatic tyres operate at a high air pressure of up to 10 bar. The exact air pressure is noted on each tyre and must be maintained. Depending on the intended use of the trucks, the manufacturer may have special regulations. Incorrect air pressure can cause damage to the tyre.
Solid rubber and SE tyres are considered puncture resistant and are usually only to be checked for wear. tyres for forklifts are constantly being developed to improve puncture resistance and reduce wear and rolling damages. The latest developments are also being incorporated into production of these tyre types, for example, in the rubber compounds used and their distribution in the tyre.
The most common damage to truck tyres is as a result of collision. With solid rubber and cushion tyres, as well as SE tyres, the truck can usually continue to be used. However, pneumatic tyres must be changed. Care should be taken with all types of tyres to avoid overheating due to use.
When should you change your tyres for forklifts?
Tyre replacement intervals will always depend greatly on the specific forklift operating conditions and intensity. any more questions , please feel free to contact us ! our facebook and linkedin
