It can be fascinating to watch your electric or internal combustion forklift grab items from the highest shelves. However, one of the keys to running efficient operations in your facility or warehouse may actually be found closer to the ground. 

Forklifts are a mainstay in an almost endless number of industries. Breakdowns and inefficiencies in your forklift fleet can cause delays, expensive workarounds, employee frustrations, and even customer dissatisfaction. One of the most important ways to operate an efficient forklift fleet is by monitoring the forklift tire wear and understanding the best time to replace forklift tires.

What Happens if You Ignore Your Forklift Tires?

Ignoring the forklift tires of your recent Linde or Baoli purchase can have disastrous consequences for your business. Your equipment could fail which could pose a risk for both drivers and property. Other problems such as numerous maintenance trips or reduced longevity are solid reasons why you should be paying attention to the condition of your forklift tires.

1) Your Equipment or Workplace Could Be Damaged

Although forklifts can carry very heavy loads, the tires are the critical area of contact and where that weight is transferred from the chassis to the ground. A damaged or worn tire can cause the forklift to lose control and damage doors, walls, merchandise, or other equipment in the workplace.

2) Maintenance Costs Will Increase

Heavy tread wear reduces the efficiency of the forklifts and can shorten the life of your equipment as well as increase fuel and heat costs. These surges in maintenance costs will ultimately impact your business’s bottom line and overall profitability.

3) Your Forklift Tires Won’t Last as Long

High-quality forklift tires are a great investment for your business. A great type of tire to invest in is the solid-pneumatic style (versus the traditional air-filled tires) which are designed with hardened rubber for increased durability. Unlike cushion tires, solid-pneumatic forklift tires have the ability to prevent punctures from sharp objects to help the tires last longer.

4) Your Forklift Drivers Could be at Risk

The type of tire you decide to invest in could affect the safety and productivity of a forklift driver as much as the forklift itself. Worn tires with high tread wear can cause forklifts carrying huge loads to lose stability which can lead to a number of on-the-job injuries.

Keep an Eye on Your Forklifts

Paying attention to your forklift tires is a major business decision that can impact the safety of your drivers and equipment. If you start noticing ‘chunking’ of tires, tears in the sidewall, or flat spots along the surface of the tire, it may be time for a replacement. Be sure to regularly inspect your forklift’s tires to prevent any adverse performance from occurring.

Does your forklift need maintenance service? Contact our team of technicians for a cost-beneficial solution for your piece of equipment.