How to Change a Tire on a Forklift

Proper maintenance of a forklift includes changing the tires periodically to keep the forklift in good working order. Keeping forklift tires in good shape reduces stress and wear on the transmission as well as the forklift driver. The way you change a forklift tire depends on the type of forklift and tire you use.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Forklift
• Pneumatic forklift tire
• Solid rubber forklift tire
• Polyurethane forklift tire
• Forklift jack
• Air impact wrench

1. Choose a replacement tire. Consider the working conditions of the forklift and how often it is used. Forklifts that run over rough and damaging areas need a thicker tire, like a pneumatic tire. Solid rubber tires are good inside or out but are safer when used on smoother surfaces. Only use polyurethane tires in indoor working conditions.

2. Raise the forklift using a forklift jack. Place the forklift jack underneath the forklift in either the front or the back, depending on the tire’s location.

3. Remove the existing tire by using an air impact wrench to remove the lug nuts from the wheel. Pull the wheel off and change the tire. If you are changing a solid rubber tire, remove the entire tire and replace it with another solid rubber tire. If you are changing a polyurethane tire, simply remove the tire and press another back on the wheel. Polyurethane tires are the easiest forklift tires to change.

Tips & Warnings

• If you keep the forklift indoors, make sure the area is always as clean as possible and free from debris to help you extend the life of your forklift tires.