Forklifts are an invaluable machine used in many industries. From cargo to construction, the long list of duties you can do with a forklift just seems to go on forever. While maintaining your forklift’s body and engine might seem like the most important things to consider when owning a forklift, forklift tyres are actually another important aspect that needs constant attention. A forklift with tyres that are used-up and worn-out won’t perform as well as it used to and might even pose a threat to the people working in and around it. It’s essential to replace forklift tyres as necessary to steer clear of any injuries or consequent repairs. To find out if your forklift tyres need replacing, look for these four telltale signs.

The Wear Line

The wear line is a marker just above the tyres size. These are easy to locate and should give you a better idea of just how worn-out your might be. If the top of the tyre meets with the wear line, then this is a good sign that you might have to replace your tyres immediately.

The Surface

Usually, a forklift is used on tough terrain and pathways that are littered with debris. Constant exposure to these conditions will make it possible for forklift tyres to start to become dry and broken. A forklift tyre that has given in to wear and tear will start to have little chunks of rubber falling off. Inspect your tyres or the path that it travels for any pieces of material that might have broken off. If you find a substantial amount of breakage, then a forklift tyre replacement might be in order.

Flat Spots

When tyres are unbalanced or over/under-inflated, they are likely to develop flat spots. These are particular bands or areas along the tyre that seem more worn out than the rest. This happens because more weight and pressure are present on that particular area. Inspect your tyres for spots that are smoother or more worn-out than the rest. There really is no way to remedy the situation other than with a forklift tyre replacement. But before you end the entire process of replacing forklift tyres, make sure you also resolve the problem of the poorly distributed pressure. This will help you steer clear of this problem in the future.

Treads

Treads are an important feature that forklift tyres should have. These markings make it possible for tyres to grip onto uneven surfaces for the safety of everyone around it. If your tyre have started to go bald, then this is an obvious sign for a tyre replacement. Ensure that you get them changed as soon as possible, as operating heavy machinery with worn out treads could spell disaster for your workers.

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