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ACCESS IN ACTION • FEBRUARY 2017
ACCESS in ACTION
This could result in the vehicle
overturning. Tyres deflect/distort under
load and they have a significant effect
on telehandler stability and load carrying
ability.
An example of the importance of properly
planning tyre replacement occurred
when a telehandler operator checked the
tyre pressures on his machine. Having
completed the checks, he was walking
away when one of the tyres exploded!
A subsequent investigation revealed the
tyre, which had recently been replaced,
was a 14 ply with a 3.5 tonne load
rating, rather than the manufacturer’s
specification of 16 ply with a six tonne
rating. The contractor also found the tyre
had been ordered from the company’s
approved supplier by asking for a
tyre for the model of the telehandler,
without mention of ply or load rating. A
subsequent check of other machines on
site found a third of them were fitted with
incorrect tyres.
The effect of tyres on stability
Tyres play a vital part in the stability of
telehandlers. Stability can be adversely
affected by issues such as:
• mixing tyres from different
manufacturers;
• incorrect ply rating;
• differences in diameter of tyres on the
same axle due to differential wear;
• low tyre pressure;
• high tyre pressure;
• uneven tyre pressure;
• substandard repairs;
• tyre repair, replacement and
maintenance for pneumatic tyres
only. Foam filled tyres are not user
serviceable.
Tyre pressure check
• Tyre pressures should be marked on
the chassis adjacent to each wheel.
• Pressures should be checked daily
ALERT – Tyres on Telehandlers
Issued by the TSHA December 2016
when cold.
• If necessary inflate tyres to
correct pressure as stated in the
manufacturer’s operators manual.
• Personnel inflating tyres should stand
a minimum of 3m away from the
tyre and outside the likely explosion
trajectory to avoid injury in the event
of a failure. This will require 3m of
airline between the nozzle and the
airline trigger mechanism.
• Personnel should ensure they stand
to one side of the tyre facing the tread
when inflating.
• Tyre valves should be checked to
ensure they are not leaking. Valve stem
caps should always be replaced.
Tyre damage
All tyres should be inspected daily as
follows:
• the tread and side walls should be
checked for bulges and separation;
• The tread and side wall should be
checked for cuts.
For pneumatic tyres, when any cut, rip or
tear is discovered that exposes sidewall
or tread area cords in the tyre, measures
must be taken to remove the tyre from
service immediately. Arrangements must
be made for replacement of the tyre or
tyre assembly.
Tyre and wheel replacement
Replacement tyres should be the same
size, ply and brand as originally installed;
refer to the appropriate parts manual
for ordering information. If not using an
approved replacement tyre, the tyres
must have the following characteristics:
• equal or greater ply and load rating
than size of original;
• tyre tread contact width equal or
greater than original;
• wheel diameter, width and offset
dimensions equal to the original;
• approved for the application by the
tyre manufacturer (including inflation
pressure and maximum tyre load).
Unless specifically approved by the
telehandler manufacturer, a foam filled
or ballast filled tyre assembly must not
be replaced with a pneumatic tyre. So
when replacing tyres ensure the ply and
pressure ratings are as per manufacturer
recommendations.
Visit:
www.tsha.com.auor contact the
national office on 02 9998 2222.
Did you know research undertaken by a major telehandler manufacturer indicates a 5%
reduction in tyre pressure from the manufacturer’s specified values can result in a 30%
reduction in capacity at certain points on the load/height/radius curve?
For pneumatic tyres, when any cut, rip or tear is discovered that exposes sidewall or tread area cords in
the tyre, measures must be taken to remove the tyre from service immediately
Personnel inflating
tyres should stand
a minimum of 3m
away from the tyre
and outside the likely
explosion trajectory to
avoid injury in the event
of a failure.