English AUGUST 29, 2025
How to Change Forklift Tires
You change forklift tires by looking for damage. Make sure the forklift is safe before you start. Use the right tools for each tire type. Safety is very important. Always look at the tire type first. The table below shows the most common forklift tires. It also shows how their replacement steps are different:
| Tire Type | Application | Replacement Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Cushion Tires | Indoor, smooth surfaces | Look for wear, change if damaged |
| Pneumatic Tires | Outdoor, rough terrain | Check for wear bands, change when worn |
| Solid Pneumatic Tires | Rough terrain, durable | Look for damage, change when needed |
| Polyurethane Tires | Warehouses, sensitive applications | Check often, change if damaged |
Key Takeaways
Inspect forklift tires daily for damage. Look for cracks, wear, and flat spots to ensure safety and performance.
Use the correct tools for changing tires. A tire press, jack, and safety gear are essential for a safe and effective tire change.
Replace tires when signs of wear appear. Change tires if tread is worn past 50% or if you notice chunking or uneven wear.
Forklift Tire Inspection
Signs of Wear
You need to check your forklift tires often to keep your equipment safe and working well. Start by looking for clear signs of damage. Here are some important things to watch for:
Look for the wear band inside solid tires. If you see it, you must replace the tire.
Check cushion tires. If the tread depth reaches the top of the factory lettering, it is time for a new tire.
Watch for flat spots. These can happen if you use the forklift the wrong way.
Remove any debris stuck in the tires. Debris can cause serious damage.
Notice uneven wear. This can make the forklift hard to handle and may mean the tires are not aligned or inflated right.
Pay attention to discoloration. Sun or chemicals can make the tire material weak.
Check for cracks, bulges, or pieces falling off. These problems mean you need to replace the tire right away.
Tip: Daily forklift tire inspection before each shift helps you spot problems early and avoid accidents.
When to Replace
You should replace tires when you see these signs:
The tread is worn past the 50% wear line.
You notice chunking, tearing, or flat spots.
Uneven wear appears between front and rear tires.
The tires are old, even if they look fine.
Manufacturers recommend regular tire replacement and daily checks. Make sure you inspect your forklift tires every day and plan for annual replacement. This keeps your forklift safe and helps you avoid costly repairs.
Tools and Safety
Required Tools
You need special tools to change forklift tires safely. These tools help you work faster and avoid getting hurt. Here are the main things you need:
A tire press, which can be 5 ton or 50 ton, depending on the tire size.
Tire mounting soap helps the tire slide onto the rim.
Brake fluid can make tight tires easier to remove.
Use a heavy-duty jack and jack stands to lift the forklift.
A lug wrench or impact wrench is needed to take off bolts.
A tire cage keeps you safe when working with pneumatic tires.
Always wear safety gloves and eye protection.
Tip: Check your tools before you start. The right tools help you stay safe and keep your forklift working well.
Safety Precautions
You must always follow forklift safety rules when changing tires. These steps keep you and others safe. The table below lists some safety risks and how they affect the forklift:
| Safety Risk Description | Impact on Forklift Operation |
|---|---|
| If tires do not match, the forklift can tip over. | This makes accidents more likely when using the forklift. |
| Worn tires can shake the forklift and stress the driver and machine. | This can break the forklift and cause more accidents. |
| If pneumatic tires are under-inflated, the forklift can become unstable. | This makes it dangerous for the driver and people nearby. |
| Cracked or torn tires mean you must stop and fix them. | Driving with damaged tires makes accidents and injuries much more likely. |
You should get training before you change forklift tires. Training can be online and should meet OSHA rules. You also need to practice with the equipment and have a supervisor check your work. These steps help you learn safety and lower the chance of accidents.
Remember: Never skip safety steps. Always use a tire cage and make sure the forklift is stable before you start.
Change Forklift Tires
Preparation Steps
Before you begin to change forklift tires, you need to prepare your workspace and gather your tools. Start by parking the forklift on a flat, stable surface. Turn off the engine and set the parking brake. Always check the forklift manual to identify the correct tire type for your model. This step helps you avoid mistakes during forklift tire replacement.
Follow these steps to get ready:
Gather all tools and safety gear. You need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, tire press (for solid forklift tire), gloves, and eye protection.
Inspect the new tires for any damage or defects before you start.
Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the forklift is still on the ground.
Use a heavy-duty jack to lift the forklift. Place jack stands under the frame for extra safety.
Double-check that the forklift is stable before you continue.
Tip: Always wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes during forklift tire replacement.
Remove Old Tire
Removing the old tire is a key part of the process. You must follow the right steps to avoid injury and damage to the forklift. Begin by fully loosening and removing the lug nuts. Take off the wheel from the hub. If you are removing the old tire from a pneumatic wheel, you need to safely deflate a forklift tire before you continue. Use a tire cage for extra protection.
For pneumatic tires:
Safely deflate a forklift tire by removing the valve core. Wait until all air escapes.
Remove any locking rings or clips from the rim.
Pull the tire off the rim. Use tire levers if needed.
For solid forklift tire:
Use a hydraulic tire press to remove the old tire from the wheel. Make sure you do not damage the wheel hub during removal.
Clean the rim and check for cracks or rust before you install the new tire.
Note: Never try to cut or pry a solid forklift tire off the rim by hand. This can cause injury and damage.
Replace Solid Forklift Tires
When you replace solid forklift tires, you need to use a tire press. This tool helps you remove and install the tire safely. Here is how you do it:
Put on gloves and safety glasses.
Inspect the new solid forklift tire for defects.
Place the wheel and old tire in the hydraulic press.
Press out the old tire slowly, making sure the wheel stays straight.
Align the new tire with the wheel.
Use the press to push the new tire onto the wheel. Apply steady pressure so the tire seats evenly.
Check for gaps or misalignment after installation.
Reattach the wheel to the forklift. Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Solid forklift tires offer great puncture resistance, making them ideal for rough surfaces. Always check that the tire fits tightly and spins freely before lowering the forklift.
Installing the New Tire
Now you are ready for installing the new tire. For pneumatic tires, place the new tire on the rim. Make sure the bead sits evenly. Reinstall any locking rings or clips. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure. Always use a tire cage when inflating to prevent accidents.
For solid forklift tire, the tire press does most of the work. After pressing the tire onto the rim, inspect the fit. Make sure there are no gaps or bulges. Reattach the wheel to the forklift and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. This helps the wheel seat evenly.
Callout: Never overinflate a pneumatic tire. Too much air can cause a blowout during forklift tire replacement.
Post-Installation Checks
After you change forklift tires, you need to check your work. These checks help you spot problems before they cause accidents.
Examine the tire for visible damage, cracks, or uneven tread.
Make sure you used the right tire type for your forklift and work environment.
Check that the wheel spins freely and does not wobble.
Inspect the alignment and balance of the wheels.
Confirm that all bolts and fasteners are tight.
Here is a table of common issues you might find after installation:
| Common Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Tire Quality | Poor quality tires can reduce traction and load capacity. |
| Worn Tread | Tread below the wear line means you need another replacement soon. |
| Bulging or Bubbles | Bulges signal a risk of blowout and require immediate replacement. |
| Uneven Wear | Uneven tread may mean you have alignment or suspension problems. |
Tip: Always recycle old tires. Recycling reduces your carbon footprint and keeps harmful chemicals out of the environment.
Changing forklift tires takes time and care. You must follow each step to keep your forklift safe and running well. Regular forklift tire replacement and careful installation help prevent accidents and costly repairs. If you notice any problems during post-installation checks, fix them right away.
You keep your forklift safe when you follow each step and use the right tools. Regular tire checks matter.
Inspect tires daily for cuts, cracks, and tread wear.
Check tire pressure often.
Replace damaged tires right away.
Routine checks help you prevent accidents and protect your equipment.
FAQ
How often should you check forklift tires?
You should inspect forklift tires every day before you use the machine. Daily checks help you spot damage early and keep your forklift safe.
Can you change forklift tires without a tire press?
You need a tire press for solid tires. For pneumatic tires, you can use hand tools. Always follow safety steps and use the right equipment.
What happens if you use the wrong tire type?
Using the wrong tire type can make your forklift unstable. You risk accidents, poor handling, and faster tire wear. Always match the tire to your forklift and job.
