The condition and selection of tyres are the most important and often most neglected safety aspects of industrial handling vehicles. However, with a variety of options available on the market, ensuring you obtain the right tyre for the right application can be a minefield. Clive Green, Tyres Manager at Briggs Equipment offers some expert advice in making the right choice.
April 07, 2008 - Tyres affect the steering, braking and acceleration of forklift trucks, therefore operating with faulty tyres, or fitting incorrect tyres for an application, will affect the operating efficiency of a truck. With productivity a key issue for gaining an advantage in a competitive marketplace, it is therefore vitally important your equipment is working to its maximum capabilities all the time. Tyres are expensive items that are relatively easy to damage, and because of this, they can eat up large proportions of a company’s maintenance budget. There are also safety implications that have to considered. Choosing a tyre that is not ‘fit for purpose’ could potentially result in accident or injury, putting operators at risk.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005) was specifically introduced to help reduce the health risks directly associated with long-term exposure to vibration. On a daily basis, forklift truck operators are exposed to repetitive tasks and levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing ailments. The type of tyre and its suitability for the application is another ergonomic aspect to consider if musculo-skeletal disorders such as lower back pain are to be avoided.
When selecting tyres for industrial applications, there are a number of key factors that have to be taken into account. The main issue is, what application will a tyre be needed for?
Using a machine to move stock around on a smooth warehouse floor will require a different tyre to a truck that is loading goods onto a HGV outside, on rough terrain. The length of journey a truck is required to undertake on a daily basis is another factor. In this instance if the wrong type of tyres are used on rough terrain for long shuttle runs, excess vibration is transferred to the operator and may result in ailments such as lower back pain.
Other considerations need to be taken into account. The type and size of the machine being used, the size of the wheel or tyre, if a special compound is required and whether the wheel is one piece, split rim, 3-4 piece or a LOC tyre. With all these factors affecting selection, it is vitally important that you know exactly what application your tyres will be used for. This will ensure you make the right choice every time.
In order to improve lifetime cost of ownership, trucks can be fitted with intelligent devices such as the Transmon tyre protector. By preventing forward and reverse selection whilst the truck is in motion or at high engine rpm, this system helps maintain traction, correct bad driving and reduce tyre and transmission wear. Briggs Equipment has found that this not only saves up to 50% on tyre life, but also protects the transmissions and differentials from unnecessary damage.
For those that want more advice on selecting the right tyre for their application, Briggs Equipment has produced ‘Treading Carefully – tyres guide to getting it right’, a comprehensive booklet containing information on how to measure a tyre, the different types of tyres available, what rims fit what tyre and torque settings.
For your free copy of ‘Treading Carefully’, or for more information call Briggs Equipment on 03301 23 98 33 or visit www.briggsequipment.co.uk.
- Ends -
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Briggs Equipment UK
Briggs Equipment UK Ltd is a leading materials handling service provider and sole distributor of Yale Materials Handling products in Great Britain. Providing a wide range of equipment for a broad customer base, Briggs provides innovative, tailored and cost effective solutions on a nationwide basis. With its headquarters and national support centre in Cannock, Briggs people assist and advise in the delivery of long term solutions that enable customers to develop more efficient and results driven businesses.
Media contact:
Tiffany Clowes
Changeworks Communications
T. + 44 (0) 1785 247588
E.
Company Contact:
Scott Bullock
Briggs Equipment
Orbital Way
Cannock
WS11 8XW
T: 01543 430 455
W: www.briggsequipment.co.uk
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