Elevex guide: monitoring your forklift tires for optimum performance
Some frequently asked questions can help with the understanding of how tires wear and what to look out for when inspecting the tires:
What is the tire tread pattern for?
The tread pattern is there not only to provide traction but to provide cushioning to protect the truck, its load, and the operator.
Can I continue to use the truck when the tread pattern is worn?
So long as the remaining tread rubber has not reached the J-Line then yes, the forklift truck can still be used.
What if I see tires damage i.e., impacts to sidewall or tread lug damage?
If damage is present then contact our forklift service, repair and maintenance department at 1-866-421-4223 to seek guidance on whether it is safe to continue using the truck, super elastic tires are extremely resilient, but it is important that you isolate the truck until a professional assessment of the tire has been undertaken.
How should tires be fitted when worn?
Tires should be fitted in pairs to maintain a level platform.
How do tires wear out?
Heat is the major contributor to tire wear.
Advice and Tips
Trucks running with no load will cause steer tires to wear out quickly.
Trucks running with constant heavy loads are more likely to use more drive tires.
When the tread pattern has gone, Continental’s Super Elastic tires, as fitted by Linde National Tires, are only 50% worn, the remaining tread rubber compound ensures your forklift truck is still in a serviceable condition for continued use.
A tire is worn when the tread rubber reaches the J-Line and should be replaced as soon as is possible.
If you need ELEVEX customer support, our certified experts are on hand to assist. Call us!