Choosing the right material handling tyre

Off-highway tyre specialist BKT emphasises that multiple factors come into play when choosing the most suitable tyres for specific applications. As tyres can significantly impact the overall performance, safety and cost of operations in industrial usage, BKT has published its tips for choosing the most suitable tyres for material handling equipment.

A good starting point is to “identify the distinguishing features and advantages” that differentiate one tyre from another, making a particular product suitable for certain conditions and different applications.

Solid tyres, for example, are puncture resistant, and therefore ideal for harsh environments or when encountering sharp objects and rough surfaces.

Cross-ply tyres, on the other hand, ensure excellent resistance against impacts and punctures, provide greater stability and comfort when used on uneven surfaces, and can generally handle higher loads than radial tyres.

In contrast, radial tyres deliver greater fuel efficiency, increased durability, and a smoother ride compared to cross-ply tyres, especially at higher speeds.

Informed decisions

“Analysing the various types of tyres enables making informed decisions based on the intended final usage, but it is also crucial that the product suits the working environment. In this regard, it is wise to consider the surface conditions where the equipment will be operating, as well as possible exposure to chemicals and temperature,” comments Piero Torassa, field engineering manager at BKT.

“Load capacity and tyre size are likewise crucial factors. In particular, overloading can actually lead to premature wear and potential safety hazards.”

BKT tyre models for specific applications

BKT offers specialised tyres such as the LiftMax LM 81 for heavy-duty forklift and tractor operations, MagLift (Rim Guard) for heavy tasks with high load capacity, and Snow Grip for cold, slippery surfaces.
LiftMax LM 81 features a “durable and robust tread design” and is made with an antistatic compound to minimise electrostatic energy buildup. BKT says a solid all-steel casing and reinforced sidewall provide stability and safety in lift mode, as well as good traction.

MagLift, on the other hand, is aimed at forklifts typically employed for the heaviest tasks in industrial environments and logistics operations. BKT says a solid and robust tread pattern provides “exceptional front and side traction” and boasts high load capacity without compromising operator ride comfort. The tread also contributes to low rolling resistance, the tyre maker adds. Furthermore, MagLift is “particularly cut-and-chip resistant.”

The Snow Grip forklift tyre has a unique tread design with special edges that provide “unparalleled grip and stability” on cold, slippery, or icy surfaces. BKT adds that the tyre delivers “excellent stability and braking performance.”