How to Change a Tire on a Forklift

Forklift Tires Must be Maintained Properly

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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.

Steps

1. 1
   Check the wear on the forklift's tires.

   
   
2. 2
   Purchase a replacement if the wear exceeds 40% on any tire. The act of choosing replacement forklift tires is dependent upon the working conditions of the forklift. Polyurethane tires are ideal for indoor working conditions whereas 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.
3. 3
   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.
4. 4
   Use the air impact wrench to remove the lug nuts from the wheel and then pull the wheel off of the forklift to change the tire. Keep in mind, the type of tire required dictates this process. For a polyurethane tire (the easiest tires to change on a forklift) remove the tire and simply press another tire back onto the wheel. If changing a solid rubber tire, remove the tire as a whole and replace it with the new rubber tire.
5. 5
   Lastly, 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.

   
   

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

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