One of the high running cost items on a forklift is tyres. This can be managed with good protocols regarding the correct selection of tyres and driver behaviour.
Tyres come in different formats i.e. solid, pneumatic, off-road and non-marking to name the main types.
While pneumatic tyres are gentle on the forklift and the load, they can puncture relatively easy which can be a logistical challenge. In South Africa by far the majority of forklifts are fitted with solids which are robust and puncture resistant. They also come at a price as they are made of solid rubber.
When purchasing tyres make sure you understand the cost. Cost is not price, as cheap tyres can be expensive. Record the hour meter reading of the forklift when fitting new tyres and again when replacing them; you can then calculate the cost in Rand/hour which is the only measure of real tyre costs. You can then compare the different types/brands to see which is the most cost effective. Your decision should be based on these parameters and not price.
Tyre wear is dependant on a number of factors i.e. tyre quality, correct tyre for the application, driving patterns, driver behaviour, road surface and type of forklift. These can all be managed or controlled which will assist in keeping tyre running costs down.
