The Costly Effect of Excessive Tire Wear on Lift Trucks

Jul 09 2024 TiresForklift Maintenance 2 Min. Read

Your forklift tires are essential for safe, efficient operation. Worn or damaged tires can reduce traction, affect performance, and lead to costly downtime. Here’s what to look for and when to replace them.

Signs of Forklift Tire Wear

Regular tire inspections can help you catch problems before they become bigger issues. During your daily forklift inspection, look for:

Excessive tread wear: Reduced tread is one of the most obvious signs that a tire may need replacement.
Flat spots: Often caused by hard braking, quick stops, or tire spinning.
Cracks, cuts, or chunking: Visible damage can compromise tire performance and shorten tire life.
Uneven wear: May indicate an issue with operating conditions, tire selection, or driving habits.
Reduced traction: Slipping or changes in handling can be a sign that tires need to be inspected.

If you're unsure whether a tire is still safe to use, have it evaluated by a qualified tire professional.

What Causes Forklift Tires to Wear?

Tire life depends on more than hours of use. Rough or damaged floors, debris, heavy loads, excessive speed, hard braking, sudden direction changes, and tire spinning can all contribute to premature wear. Exposure to excessive heat, oil, grease, or chemicals can also shorten tire life.

Reducing these factors through good housekeeping, proper operator training, and regular maintenance can help extend tire life and lower overall operating costs.

Choose the Right Tire for the Job

Not every forklift tire is designed for the same application. When selecting replacement tires, consider:

Operating environment: Indoor, outdoor, or mixed use
Power source: Electric or internal combustion
Load requirements: Weight and frequency of loads
Operating conditions: Speed, travel distance, floor surfaces, and traction needs

For electric forklifts, tire rolling resistance can also affect battery efficiency. Tires that roll more efficiently require less energy, which can help reduce battery drain and support productivity.

Don't Wait Until Tires Become a Problem

Replacing worn tires before they cause an operational or safety issue can help prevent unexpected downtime and additional equipment costs.

Regular inspections, good operator practices, and the right tires for your application can all help maximize tire life.

September Tire Sale

Get your forklift ready for fall with Morrison’s September Tire Sale!

September is a great time to replace worn forklift tires and keep your equipment running safely and efficiently. Take advantage of special pricing on select forklift tires during Morrison’s annual September Tire Sale.

Contact Morrison Industrial Equipment today to learn more or schedule your tire service.