Forklift tire replacement is an unavoidable part of owning a forklift. It is also one of the most important. Did you know the most dangerous part of your forklift could be the tires? Over-worn tires are a major safety hazard that can cause serious malfunctions, injury, or even death. Because of these very real safety concerns, it’s important to routinely check your tire treads for wear. You do not want to wait until an accident occurs to realize that you needed a forklift tire replacement. Worn tires also put more strain on the rest of your truck’s parts and worsen fuel efficiency.

Having tire trouble? You’re in the right place. Find methods for recognizing when it’s time to consider changing forklift tires. Learn how to change forklift tires quickly, or find a quality servicing company to do it for you at an affordable price.

When Does A Forklift Tire Need To Be Replaced?

It is a crucial safety procedure to consistently monitor the wear on your forklift tires. Operators should regularly inspect tires for loss of tread and other obvious damage. Major signs of an upcoming cushion or pneumatic tire forklift tire replacement include:

• Noticeable chunks missing from the tire’s surface. This will cause the forklift to feel uncomfortable to the driver and pose a tipping hazard. This occurs most often when the forklift is used outside or on rough terrain, or when running over obstacles. Forklift tire repair is not a sufficient option in this situation, the tires need to be completely replaced.
• Solid rubber tires have a band on the wall of the tire. When wear reaches this line, it is time for a forklift tire replacement.
• If a tire is flat, you may be able to perform a forklift tire repair. Patching is an option if the hole is small enough. However, if your tires are constantly flat from a slow leak that cannot be found, it might be time for a replacement.

Check out this helpful video on forklift tire wear by one of our partners, Morrison Industrial Equipment Company.

When the tread is gone, you can quickly get to the point where traction and stability are compromised. Worn tread can also increase the chance of punctures, reduce the truck’s capacity, and even lead to transmission problems, which in turn will take your forklift out of service.

In need of a forklift tire replacement? Changing forklift tires isn’t difficult. However, not everyone has access to the tools needed. In this case, you may want to contact a trusted service provider. Forklift service companies will also be able to help you with forklift tire repair if you just need a small fix.

Learn more about both options below.

Professional Forklift Tire Replacement 

It’s always best to go to a professional technician for a tire change. Not only is it a physically demanding job, but it also requires a forklift jack, impact wrench, and forklift tire press if you’re changing cushion tires. These tools can be expensive. Compare your forklift tire replacement cost to the cost of purchasing the proper tools before you choose.

A trained professional can perform a forklift tire repair or replacement in no time, getting you back in action quickly and safely. Your forklift dealer may even be able to come to you directly and get the job done onsite with a mobile tire press. The process isn’t much different than replacing car tires, except for the pressing and mounting of the new tires. First, the old wheels will be removed, and then, depending on the type of tire, the technician will press or mount the new tire onto the wheel. Then the wheel is reattached to the forklift and lowered back onto the ground.

Keep in mind that it is unsafe to replace just one forklift tire. They will all need to be replaced. Although this may seem like a financial disadvantage, it’s an absolute necessity for safety reasons. Plus, forklift tire replacement costs are minimal considering that you’re already paying for the tires.

Replacing only one tire and leaving older tires that are more worn creates an imbalance, increasing the chance for tipping when carrying loads. Do not be tempted to keep older tires on. Just because they haven’t completed failed yet does not mean that they are not a major hazard.

Once you have brand new tires on your forklift, be sure to clean up the floor of your warehouse or work yard to prevent wearing them out prematurely!

How to Change Forklift Tires

Changing forklift tires isn’t necessarily difficult with pneumatic tires. If you have the time, tools, and resources needed, you can save some money on forklift tire replacement costs by doing it yourself.

However, if you have a cushion tire forklift, changing your tires will be much more difficult. Follow these steps on how to change forklift tires for both tire types below.

Regardless of the tire type you have, start by parking your forklift somewhere flat. Place blocks behind the tires for stability. Use a forklift jack to raise your machine off the ground.

How to Change Cushion Forklift Tires:

• Use an impact wrench to remove the lug nuts from the front tires. Take off the tires.
• Remove the dust cap over the steer (back) tires. Then, remove the cotter pin and castle nut. If you have a multi-piece wheel, you’ll need to remove the side and lock rings as well.
• Take off the tires. Remove and grease the bearings.
• Press the old tires about one inch using a forklift press. Place the new tire on top and press it onto the wheel. **Forklift presses are dangerous. It takes up to 5,000 psi to press a tire. Only trained technicians should perform this step.**
• Replace the lug nuts, cotter pins, and castle nuts.

How to Change Pneumatic Forklift Tires:

• Deflate the old tires and uninstall the wheel assembly.
• Remove the side and lock rings and dismount the tire from the rim.
• Clean the rim and mount the new tire on the rim. Replace the lock and side rings.
• Place the wheel assembly in a tire cage.
• Inflate the tire. Deflate the tire again.
• Remove the wheel assembly from the tire cage and re-install the tire on the forklift. Inflate to proper air pressure.

Now you know how to change forklift tires. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to do it yourself.

Changing forklift tires can be complicated, especially if your equipment uses press-on tires. A qualified service technician can take care of it for you. For a quick, hassle-free experience, use a forklift service and repair company. They’ll also be able to help with small forklift tire repairs.

Not sure which company to choose? Compare your options with free online quotes. Industrial Forklift Truck gives you upfront pricing on tons of equipment before you choose. Select an equipment type and specification here. Then, receive free quotes from qualified dealers in your area.

Changing forklift tires doesn’t have to be difficult. Compare quotes to find the best forklift tire replacement cost near you. Try Industrial Forklift Truck today.