How to press a forklift tyre: solid standard tyres
There are different types of tyres that can be fitted to forklifts, each with their own benefits. The type of forklift tyres you need depends on the design of your forklift and what you’re using it for. No matter which type of tyres you’re using, you need to take care of them if you want them to last a long time. Not sure how? Check out our handy tyres guide.
Forklifts are commonly used to lift and transport heavy loads, so strength and stability are important. That’s why the majority of forklifts are fitted with solid tyres or press-on tyres. These are not interchangeable – forklifts are built for use with solid tyres or press-on tyres, but never both. Solid tyres and press-on tyres optimise safety, are puncture-proof and they can’t burst. To assemble these types of tyres, you need a tyre press.
The tyre press is used differently for each type of tyres. In this guide, you’ll learn the simple techniques needed to assemble solid standard tyres. Need to assemble solid clip tyres? Check out part 2 of this blog series here. And if you want instructions for press-on tyres, you’ll find them in part 3 of this blog series.
Solid Standard Tyres
Solid tyres are typically constructed using two or three layers of rubber. They’re very durable and since they’re impervious to punctures, they’re ideal for use in environments where there’s scrap metal and other debris to navigate around. Solid tyres improve the stability of the forklift, which maximises safety for the machine operator, other workers, and the loads being lifted and transported.
You can extend the life of a solid standard tyre by using a tyre cutter to cut a new profile in the tyre tread. However, once the tyre is worn down to the 60-J line, also known as the safety line, the tyre needs to be replaced.
10 steps to assemble a solid standard tyre using a tyre press:
- Place the tyre rim on the support plate and then place the cone on top.
- Apply tyre grease to the tyre rim and the inside of the tyre. Make sure you use lots of grease because you want these two surfaces to slide together effortlessly.
- Place the tyre over the tyre rim, then place the cage on top of the tyre. Be careful to ensure all the parts are perfectly aligned before activating the press.
- Press down with the tyre press until you reach the edge of the rim and then remove the cone but leave the cage in place.
- Put the advance band in place and press down further to create the space needed to fit it. Be very careful not to press too far as this could permanently damage the tyre.
- Fit the advance band and then release the pressure by raising the upper plate of the tyre press.
- Position the side ring and the lock ring, then press down on the side ring.
- Use the correct tools to fit the lock ring and then release the pressure.
- Ensure that both the side ring and lock ring are fitted perfectly.
- Your solid standard tyre is now ready to be mounted on your forklift.
8 steps to disassemble a solid standard tyre using a tyre press:
- Place the tyre on the tyre press and press down.
- Release the side ring using the correct tool.
- Use your lever and hammer to release and lift the lock ring.
- Press down further to create the space needed, but not so far that you damage the tyre, then remove the advance band using the correct tools.
- Remove the tyre from the tyre press, flip the cage and place it over the support plate.
- Centre the tyre over the cage with the open side on top.
- Place the cone over the open rim and place the extra space tool on top. An optional disassembly ring can be used to help the rim slide out smoothly.
- Press down to push the rim out of the centre of the tyre.
Curious to discover more?
Curious to find out how to press a solid clip tyre or press-on tyre?
Check the following topics:
• How to press a forklift tyre: solid clip tyres
• How to press a forklift tyre: press-on tyres
Ready to press your forklift tyre?
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