Part IV: The Longevity Of Forklift Tires

If safety is priority one for your forklift operators than the tires on which the forklift rides is essential in any forklift maintenance program.

In the last few weeks we have concentrated on the forklift tire.

In Part I we provide details of the type of forklift tires that are available.

In Part II we discuss what forklift tires and made of and how to read tire sizes from the side of the tires.

In Part III we cover how to select the right forklift tires.

In Part IV we will discuss the longevity of forklift tires.

How Long Should Forklift Tires Last?

When discussing this part of the forklift tire story five factors come into play.

• Usage
• Tire Type
• Floor Conditions
• Operating Conditions
• Operator Behavior

Usage

The number of hours you drive on your forklift tires is a major consideration when discussing forklift tire longevity. If an operator is driving his forklift for 10 hours a week, there’s more than a good chance that the tires will last longer than if the lift were driven a total of 40 hours a week.

Tire Type

The type of tire affects its wear and tear over time. Some types last longer than others. For example, pneumatic tires commonly are the type to wear out more quickly than solid pneumatic tires. The disadvantage of the pneumatic tire is that it can be punctured resulting in a flat that needs to be patched.

To optimize the performance of pneumatic tires, monitor the air pressure carefully on a regular basis. Lack of air pressure means that more tire is contacting the surface and causing more wear.

As noted, solid pneumatic tires last longer than pneumatics. They are very durable and pliable so it takes more time for them to wear down to the point of requiring replacing.

Polyurethane press-on tires lasts typically two times longer than cushion tires.

Floor Conditions

How smooth or abrasive the surface on which the tires ride is a major element in their longevity. The best surface conditions that ensure longer tire life are sealed concrete or black top.

Of course, surfaces that have a lot of debris will adversely affect a tire’s longevity. Obviously, riding over debris will damage the tire. Moreover, it isn’t safe for the operation of the lift nor is it comfortable for the driver.

Some facilities that require the use of forklifts where debris on the floor is a common occurrence include recycling centers and lumberyards. If your forklifts are being used in these conditions, then solid pneumatic tires are the best bet because they’re more durable than the other tire alternatives. Still, it’s best to avoid debris if possible.

Operating And Environmental Conditions

The manner in which the forklift is driven as well as the environment in which the lift is driven can also affect tire longevity. Humidity, for example, can be a major problem. Very humid environments can cause a floor to sweat, which results in more tire spin and thus more wear on the tire.

Another common element in forklift use that can affect tire longevity is the load the lift is carrying. Of course, you don’t want to overload the lift, but running it without a load can also shorten tire life. When there is no load being carried, the counterweight of the lift presses down on the steer tires and that causes them to wear faster.

Operator Behavior

The driving habits of the forklift operator can also affect tire longevity. Spinning the tires, quick starts and stops, extreme speeds and sharp cornering all adversely affect tire life.

(Source: conger.com)