forklift tires
Forklift tires are an essential part of forklifts as they have a direct impact on the performance and safety of the equipment. They come in different variants, tailored to their intended use and specific requirements. In this article, you will learn more about the different types of forklift tires, their properties and areas of application.
Table of contents
Requirements for forklift tires
Choosing the right tires is crucial and must meet the diverse requirements. They should be light, strong and compact to ensure optimal performance. In addition, they must also withstand high loads and be able to ensure ground contact when fully loaded. This is especially important during fast steering movements and tight corners.
criteria for tire selection
The selection of the right forklift tires depends on various factors, including the load capacity of the forklift , the damping properties of the tires and the place of use. Safety in the workplace is a crucial aspect that should be considered when choosing tires. In addition, wear, durability and resistance to chemicals play an important role. The following questions can be helpful in choosing the right forklift tires:
- Load capacity: How heavy is the forklift itself and how heavy are the usual loads?
- Ground conditions: How much damping do the tires need?
- Surfaces: What type of surface will the forklift be used on? What speed range will the forklift move at?
- Temperature: In what temperature range will the forklift be used?
- Special application: Do the tires need to be resistant to chemicals or other substances?
The tire type is independent of the model and drive type of the forklift. The different types of wheels can be used for electric , gas or diesel forklifts.
tire types and areas of application
Forklift wheels are made from different materials and have different properties. The environment in which the forklift is used plays a decisive role in the selection of tires. Smooth industrial floors have lower demands on traction and suspension properties, but forklifts used outdoors must have significantly higher durability and cushioning. For this reason, tires with a coarse profile are often used for outdoor use.
At low speeds, solid rubber tires can be used, but at speeds above 25 km/h, pneumatic tires must be used. Solid rubber tires cannot withstand high speeds and heat up too much during travel. They then no longer have sufficient stability.
pneumatic tires
Pneumatic tires offer flexibility and good suspension properties, ideal for uneven outdoor areas.
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solid rubber tires
Solid rubber tires are solid, have no tread and are deflated. They are robust and are well suited for flat indoor floors.
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super-elastic tires
Super elastic tires are similar to pneumatic tires but are filled with elastic rubber. They offer good shock absorption and load-bearing capacity.
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polyurethane tires
PU tires provide similar levels of cushioning as pneumatic tires and provide good balance to compensate for shocks and vibrations.
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On smooth indoor floors, conventional tires leave abrasion marks that occur when accelerating, braking and cornering. This can be counteracted with non-marking tires .
maintenance and care
In daily operation, forklifts are subjected to high levels of stress, which makes regular maintenance essential. Daily checks by the forklift driver include a visual inspection of the tires for damage or misalignment, as well as checking the rims. The air pressure of pneumatic tires should be checked at least once a month, as fuel consumption increases as tire pressure decreases. Solid rubber tires have an indicator strip that shows the degree of wear. Here, too, recurring checks are necessary to ensure safety in the company.
Forklift tires are also the focus of the annual FEM 4.004 test . For this purpose, the forklift is subjected to a thorough visual and functional inspection and, in addition to the steering, brakes, lighting, etc., the wheels are also checked for condition and functionality.
