Forklift tires that are just “black and round” won’t cut it in most situations. To get the most out of your tires, you must choose ones constructed of a particular compound and in the correct size or profile. When purchasing forklift tires for your used forklift for sale in Tuscaloosa, AL, what factors should you consider? This blog has you covered. 

How to Choose the Right Forklift Tire

• Product details provided by the manufacturer
• How often and how much load on used forklift for sale in Tuscaloosa, AL
• Count of shifts and journeys
• Run length and travel velocity
• Forklift capacity and type
• The kind of surface you’ll be traveling on, whether it’s rough terrain or smooth, as well as the area around turns
• Materials transported in terms of type and mass
• The use of non-marking or black substances is one example of a housekeeping concern.

An in-plant assessment that competently evaluates the elements above will ascertain the ideal blend of substance, profile, and size for every given application. Any tire specialist at your neighborhood forklift dealership or a representative from the forklift tire manufacturer can conduct the survey.

Types of Forklift Tires 

Cushion and pneumatic tires are the two most common types of forklift tires and are also perfect for the used forklift for sale Tuscaloosa, Al,. Whether you use a cushion or pneumatic tire, a counterbalanced forklift mostly depends on your application. 

CUSHION FORKLIFT TIRES

For material handling tasks on concrete or asphalt surfaces, cushion tire forklifts are the way to go. These tires are sturdy and constructed of smooth, solid rubber. These are the most typical indoor work requirements for factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. 

Because of their compact design, cushion-tire forklifts are typically more affordable than pneumatic versions with the same capacity. Their resale value is also reduced because of that.

PNEUMATIC FORKLIFT TIRES

Lumber yards and construction sites are familiar places to see pneumatic tire forklifts in action, as they are versatile enough to operate indoors and outdoors in better conditions. Blacktop, tightly packed stones, and soil would fall under this category. However, uneven surfaces like a plowed field or a lot with many potholes would not. 

Compared to a similar cushion-tire variant, these trucks are more expensive and feature a larger frame. On the other hand, pneumatics are more valuable when it comes time to resell or to use in used forklift for sale Tuscaloosa, Al,. Their adaptability on land is a factor, provided they have adequate room to maneuver. While shopping for forklift tires, you’ll find two distinct varieties of pneumatic tires. 

We have solid pneumatics first. These tires are more resistant to punctures due to their solid rubber construction. If there are sharp objects or rough surfaces in your facilities, these may be an excellent option. Tires for forklifts that are commonly used are air pneumatics.

Due to structural differences, it is impossible to convert a cushion tire forklift to a pneumatic tire forklift should your needs alter. But you can swap out the tires for something else, like traction, grooved, wide-track tires, or even durable solid forklift tires if you’re currently using press-on. Contact your neighborhood dealer if you have questions about the forklift tire selections. 

PROFILE STYLE OR TIRE TREAD

There are a few standard guidelines to follow when designing the tread or profile of forklift tires. The following is available to you:

• Indoor, dry use only, with smooth tires and all steer axles
• Versatile traction tires are suitable for a broad range of uses
• Big rigs with grooved tires can handle rough terrain and heavy loads.
• All-weather indoor/outdoor wide-track traction tires.

The most important criteria that dictate how well tires work are the consistency of their construction and the quality and consistency of the materials used. Tire selection and expert installation are also important. Purchasing high-quality tires is worthwhile.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE FORKLIFT TIRES?

When describing the dimensions of their forklift tires, manufacturers often use the following acronyms:

• OD: Overall Diameter
• SW: Section Width
• SH: Section Height
• ID: Internal Diameter
• AR: Aspect Ratio

Usually found on the tire’s side label, these dimensions can be expressed in metric or imperial units. Pneumatic and cushion forklift tires may have distinct sizing terminology.

You may find the forklift tire’s section width, internal diameter, and overall diameter with a tape measurer.

• Overall Diameter: Measured over the whole tire, this is its diameter. Measure the tire’s circumference using a tape measure set up in the 3 to 9 o’clock orientation.
• Internal Diameter: Inside the tire, in its hollow core. Measure the tire’s inside diameter from one end to the other using a tape measure set up in a 3 to 9 o’clock orientation.
• Section Width: The linear width between the two walls is called the cross-section width.

Before you do tire shopping, consult your handbook to get the precise dimensions and specifications of the forklift tires that are compatible with your model.

WHEN TO REPLACE FORKLIFT TIRES?

Forklifts and your bottom line are vulnerable to several problems caused by worn-out or improperly inflated tires:

• Overheating and rapid wear are consequences of a decrease in load capacity.
• Lower speeds and less comfortable rides are things that operators will notice.
• There will be less height for the forklift to reach the ground and less clearance to lift.
• The expense of maintenance may rise.

So, how often are the tires on your forklift due for replacement? 

While the manufacturer’s instructions are the best source of information regarding the recommended amount of wear and when to replace your forklift tires, there are a few telltale signs that it’s time to replace your tires.

WEAR INDICATOR BAR

A wear indicator bar is built into the sidewall of many forklift tires. The wear indication bar will become visible as the rubber tread wears down, signaling it is time to replace the forklift tires.

Brand Name of the Vendor

Molded into the sidewall of most tires is the name of the manufacturer. Typically, you should change the tire when the tread wears up to the top of the nameplate. You can use this tip when buying a used forklift for sale in Tuscaloosa, AL.

 DEFORMITIES OF THE TIRE

You should get new tires if yours start to seem strange. This may encompass:

• Tearing or Chunking – If any rips or pieces are missing from your forklift tire.
• Splits or Cracks – If you notice any fissures or cracks on the sidewall.
• Non-round Spots – If your tire develops any flat spots

Contact Bobby Park Truck and Equipment today for more information and advice on selecting the right forklift tires or to locate a local provider who can change your tires.

Frequently Asked Question

In what ways does a forklift tire wear out?

Under normal conditions, forklift tires should endure around 2,000 to 2,400 hours of use.

How often should I get new tires?

How often should I get new tires? Tires should be replaced when they are six years old or when the tread wears down to the acceptable depth of 2/32nds of an inch. If you observe any changes in the performance of your tires, replace them.

Do forklift tires need air? 

Air pneumatic forklift tires are similar to car and truck tires. They are made of a solid, long-lasting rubber, but they are filled with air. They are the same size as solid pneumatic tires.

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