Change a Tire on a Forklift
A forklift is a powerful machine that is useful on construction sites and in factories alike. Drivers know that the best way to keep the machinery working properly is to change the tires periodically. This reduces the wear and tear on the forklift's transmission as well as reducing the driver's stress. To change a tire on a forklift really is not as daunting as it seems.
Contents
Steps
Assessing need and preparing the new tire
- Check the wear on the forklift's tires. Purchase a replacement if the wear exceeds 40% on any tire. Choosing replacement forklift tires is dependent upon the working conditions of the forklift.
- Polyurethane tires are ideal for indoor working conditions;
- Pneumatic tires are thicker and more appropriate for forklifts that ride over rougher terrain
- Standard rubber tires are decent for indoor or outdoor areas, but are best when used on smooth surfaces.
- Have any new polyurethane tire pressed. This must be done for such tires. You'll need a very large tire press, and it's probable that you don't own one. In which case, haul the new tire off to a lift truck dealer and have them press the new tire on the rim using such a machine.
Using the forklift jack
- Depending upon the damaged tire's location, place the forklift jack in the front or back. Always lift the forklift up using a jack. A regular car jack will not work; a special forklift jack is needed. You will also need to know how to operate this safely; if not, get a professionally trainer operator to do it for you.
Removing the wheel
- Use the air impact wrench to remove the lug nuts from the wheel.
- Pull the wheel off of the forklift to change the tire. Keep in mind that the type of tire required dictates this process. Also note that these wheels are might heavy, so watch out and don't pinch your fingers.
- For a polyurethane tire (the easiest tires to change on a forklift) remove the tire and simply press another tire back onto the wheel. (See above for having it pressed.)
- If changing a solid rubber tire, remove the tire as a whole and replace it with the new rubber tire.
- Put the wheel back on. Remember to check the wheel nuts with a torque wrench for proper tightness.
Keeping tires in good condition
- If the forklift is stored indoors, always be sure to keep the storage area as clean as possible. Debris and other items can be sharp and jeopardize the forklift's tires, but removing them significantly extends the life of the tires.
Tips
- It is advisable to change tires in pairs or the lift truck may run lopsided, making it difficult driving the forks into a pallet.
Warnings
- All forklifts are not the same, and the mechanics of changing the tire vary from machine to machine.
- How the forklift is utilized, the weight of the loads that the forklift carries, and the ground surface a forklift must travel over are all factors to consider when replacing a tire.
- Replacing a tire on any vehicle can be dangerous. If you are not qualified to make the change yourself, find someone who is!
Things You'll Need
- Forklift (obviously:)
- Forklift Jack
- Air Impact Wrench
- Solid Rubber, Pneumatic, or Polyurethane Forklift Tire
