Whether you’re wheeling in between warehouses, or powering operations on the ports, your forklift fleet is the key to efficiency in material handling. How well your equipment performs daily can make all the difference between business-as-usual and unexpected downtime.
Forklift tire condition impacts forklift fleets everywhere. New or well-maintained tires lead to better results for your fleet. Damage, wear, and other factors often lead to equipment failure, lost productivity, and potentially, safety hazards.
Below, we’ll dive into the different types of forklift tires and the best times to replace them, offering our best tips to maintain your forklift tires.
Recap: Different Types of Forklift Tires
If you’ve been in the industry, this may not be much of a secret. However, spotting the key differences between forklift tires not only informs you in the future, but helps you maintain tires of any kind. Forklifts are typically fitted with the following type of tires:
- Press-On Solids: Also known as cushion tires, they are often constructed with solid rubber with or without tread. Press-on tires are installed on wheels using tire pressing rings.
- Standard Pneumatic Tires: Like your average car tire, these incorporate an inner tube to hold air and, in some cases, foam.
- Solid Pneumatic/Resilient Tires: Rather than air, these forklift tires are shaped like standard pneumatics but have a solid rubber core instead.
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Each type of forklift tire is optimal for a specific work environment. Understanding the different types demonstrates the importance of using proper tires. If it’s due to load, tread, or equipment specifications, using the wrong forklift tire can your forklift’s overall performance, even lead to an earlier tire replacement.
When is it Time to Replace Forklift Tires?
With the different forklift tire types identified, how you identify potential problems varies from tire to tire. What damage may look like on a press-on, could look different from a standard pneumatic tire.
Below are some common types of forklift tire damage and the cause, what they look like on each tire, and what you can do about it:
Tire Chunking
Tire chunking—the loss of large rubber pieces from the tread—often occurs due to abrasive surfaces, overloaded equipment, or aggressive maneuvers. This issue compromises traction and exposes the tire’s inner layers, leading to further damage. To reduce chunking, avoid rough or debris-covered floors (and ensure your warehouse floor is clean) and ensure loads stay within the forklift’s capacity.
Tears and Cracks
- Tire Bond Failure: Separation between the rubber and casing can result from excessive heat, aging, or improper repairs. Look for bubbling or gaps along the tread during inspections.
- Shoulder & Tread Damage: Impacts with obstacles like curbs or potholes tear sidewalls and treads. The “two-inch rule” is another method for judging if your forklift’s tires need replacement—if a tire has lost two inches or more from its original height, it’s ready for replacement.
Flat Spots and Low Tread
Flat spots form from abrupt braking or dragging heavy loads, creating uneven wear and vibrations. Low tread reduces grip and strains the forklift’s transmission. Rotate tires regularly to distribute wear evenly and replace them before tread becomes dangerously thin.
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Tips to Improve Forklift Tire Life
- Routine Inspections
- Tire Pressure: Check weekly—underinflation accelerates wear and strains the forklift.
- Visual Checks: Look for cuts, embedded debris, or uneven wear patterns.
- Caps, Nuts & Bolts: Secure valve caps to prevent leaks and ensure lug nuts are properly tightened.
- Material Handle with Care
- Train operators to avoid sharp turns, sudden stops, and running unloaded.
- Use spotters in congested areas to minimize collisions.
3. Optimize the Facility
- Ensure floor surfaces are smooth and free of potential obstacles and objects that lead to damage, punctures, and potential blowouts.
MAXAM is Your Tire Partner Through It All
The material handling world is filled with challenges and obstacles that affect the industry each day. No matter what, trust that you have the knowledge to optimize your equipment and operations. MAXAM is here, whether it’s guides, tips, or tires.
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Of course, when the time comes you are looking for a forklift tire replacement, consider MAXAM’s MS600 and MS700 tires for your next operation and let us redefine what uptime means.
