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The right lift
for your business

Supplying forklifts since 1976

What we do

Since 1976 H&F Trucks have provided local business with high quality materials handling solutions. For nearly four decades we have achieved steady growth year on year, enabling us to provide superior service to our customers from a stable & sustainable business platform.

A Guide To Forklift Tyres And Maintenance

A Guide To Forklift Tyres And Maintenance

There’s a number of different forklift tyres available in the market today. Each type of tyre offers a significant variety in tread, compound and ply rating. You need to consider each variation when evaluating which tyre will work best for your application.

Also, keeping your forklift tyres in good shape will help reduce wear and tear, along with any stress on the transmission and the forklift driver. Proper tyre maintenance will significantly improve fuel efficiency – and help to improve overall safety.  

When choosing your tyres

The most common types of tyres available for forklifts are solid or pneumatic, and there are generally two options to fitting them – press on or standard.  

Tyres that are press on are often less durable, especially when they’re used across difficult terrain. Standard tyres are fitted the same way as if you’re fitting them to a car.   

Always calculate the required load each wheel will be carrying before choosing your tyre size – selecting the tyre that supports the load with the lowest inflation pressure is recommended.

Take into account any conditions the forklift will potentially be working in, and how often it’s going to be used. A thicker pneumatic tyre is most suitable for rough, more damaging areas. While a solid, puncture proof rubber tyre is now commonly used indoors and on more even surfaces.

If your forklift is only going to be used indoors, then the best recommendation would be a cushion tyre – which are designed for smooth warehouse surfaces.

The standard and specialised tyres available

Cushion – Standard press on tyres used for smooth surfaces. The tyres have a small turning radius ideal for working in tight spaces.

Pneumatic – Thick and strong wear-resistant rubber tyres, with a deep tread. Filled with air, they provide a cushion effect between the forklift and the floor – extending the use of the forklift across rough and uneven ground.

Polyurethane – Designed for extremely heavy loads over short distances. They are chemical-resistant and hold their integrity very well.

Solid/Puncture Proof – The most common forklift tyre. Long lasting – they don’t puncture or go flat. Ideal for use indoors or for infrequent outdoor use on fairly smooth, even ground.

Fiberglass – These tyres have a much higher resistance to heat effects – well suited to making sure forklifts that have a heavy demand, last far longer.  

Static-resistant – Tyres specifically designed to prevent static discharge. These tyres are best for use in facilities that handle materials that are highly combustible or explosive.

Non-marking – Solid tyres that are specially designed to prevent black marks on surfaces. They are required for food processing factories, but have a short lifespan due to the carbon black being removed from them.

Foam Fill – They are filled with a special resin that provides constant pressure, whilst preventing punctures.

Cold-prepped – When working on ground that builds up ice, causing slippage, like cement and flat surfaces – these tyres provide greater traction where necessary.  

Pressure, driving and storing

Make sure the air pressure in your tyres is checked regularly to ensure that it’s always at the correct level. Keep in mind that heat buildup from extended use can increase the tyre pressure. Cover all caps and valves and don’t lower air pressure by bleeding, as it can increase the build up of heat.

Refrain from sudden braking or starting movements, cornering at excessive speed, or locking a wheel for tight turns – all can wear out your tyres quickly.

Tyres should be stored in a cool, dark and oil free area, avoid keeping them close to any active electric engines. Try to not store tyres for long periods of time – no longer than a few months.

Are you looking to purchase a new Forklift or used forklift? Why not give us a call today? 0800 298 8790

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Testimonials

H&F have supplied us with all our fork lift equipment for in excess of ten years now, and have maintained it in accordance with our stringent operation requirements. During this time they have provided a consistently high level of service (including short term hire when required) whilst never failing to support us in a totally honest and professional manner.

Ashley Basset, Director
R G Bassett & Sons Ltd

H&F Lift Trucks are a pleasure to deal with. All staff, Technicians, Sales and Directors have hands-on experience of all ranges of vehicles they supply. From initial assessments and listening to all users of a potential new vehicle requirement, they keep us informed of all aspects of specification and lead times through to delivery. Their maintenance service is superb – they organise suitable times around our busy working day with our Yard Managers. Any accidental damage or operator error faults are always discussed with me and dealt with fairly – not like some unscrupulous suppliers who seek to profit at every service visit! In a cut-throat market, where we are offered “good deals” a few quid cheaper every day, we are never tempted to stray.

James Hipkins, Managing Director
Emerys

Pym and Wildsmith have been working closely with H&F Fork Trucks for many years. Their service is excellent, ranging from prompt callouts to breakdowns through to the supply of new trucks. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ian Pym, Operations Manager
Pym & Wildsmith

We cover a 30 mile radius