In our industry, the reliability of forklifts and material handling equipment is essential. A single hour of downtime can disrupt an entire production line, delay shipments, and put pressure on teams. Yet many breakdowns are not only preventable—they stem from issues that are known but often underestimated.
Among the top contributors to these avoidable failures are forklift tires. Their condition directly impacts safety, machine longevity, operator comfort, and operational efficiency. Despite this, tire maintenance is often reactive and overlooked… until it’s too late.
That’s where our Solideal On-Site Service (SOS) experts come in. With a full suite of services, including fleet analysis, mobile tire pressing, foam filling, and tire regrooving, SOS helps businesses shift from reactive to predictive maintenance, cutting costs and downtime while improving performance.
Tire wear: a silent but costly issue
Forklift tires are the only contact point between your machine and the ground. Their job is far more than just “rolling”: they stabilize loads, absorb shocks, reduce vibration, and protect critical components like the mast, axle, and motor.
Yet worn, improperly inflated, or mismatched tires can cause:
- Excessive vibration that damages the mast and forks
- Poor braking or cornering stability
- Uneven floor wear
- Increased energy or fuel consumption
- Operator fatigue or injury risk
With no clear tread pattern (especially on solid tires), it’s easy to miss the signs of wear. As a result, many tires are replaced too late, after damage has already occurred.
That’s why Solideal On-Site Service offers fleet management and analysis. On-site specialists assess each machine’s usage, surface, load profile, and tire condition. This helps detect issues early and plan replacements based on actual wear and usage, not just calendar intervals.
The hidden failures behind “unexpected” breakdowns
Many facilities experience breakdowns that seem to come out of nowhere: overheating batteries, failing hydraulics, machines drawing too much current… These failures are often linked to tire-related problems.
Consider a common case: an electric forklift operating indoors, running on overly hard or worn tires. The result? Constant micro-vibrations that damage internal components, increase energy use, and put stress on the drivetrain. Batteries don’t last, operators complain of discomfort, and machines break down earlier than expected.
Solideal On-Site Service’s answer: foam filling services. In harsh environments or where punctures are frequent, pneumatic tires can be filled with polyurethane to create a flat-proof, semi-solid tire that maintains comfort and durability. No more blowouts, slow leaks, or under-inflation problems.
Corrective vs. preventive maintenance: why timing matters
Most tire maintenance is reactive: something breaks, and then it gets fixed. But by the time a forklift is down, the damage has often spread, affecting bearings, steering, the mast, and more.
SOS promotes proactive maintenance, with routine checkups scheduled based on your fleet’s actual usage. Regular inspections and tire services help extend tire life, reduce unplanned downtime, and keep your operations predictable.
And when it’s time for a tire change? No delays. Thanks to our mobile tire press service, tire replacements happen right at your facility, minimizing disruption: no transportation, no waiting, no lost productivity.
Tire retreading: extend life, reduce cost
Replacing tires at the first sign of wear isn’t always necessary. For solid tires with intact structure, SOS offers tire regrooving services. This service reshapes the tread to restore traction and extend service life, without compromising safety.
Tire regrooving helps you:
- Avoid premature replacements
- Reduce tire disposal waste
- Save up on annual tire expenses
It’s a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for facilities with consistent wear patterns.
Tire safety is operator safety
Damaged or worn tires are more than a maintenance issue; they’re a safety risk. They can affect load stability, braking performance, and cornering, especially on wet, uneven, or sloped surfaces. Left unchecked, they can lead to tipping, collisions, or dropped loads.
Solideal On-Site Service visit can include a full safety inspection: tire wear depth, deformation, signs of internal damage, inflation level (where applicable), and load/tire compatibility. Operators gain peace of mind, and managers reduce their liability.
Flexible support for small and large fleets alike
Whether you manage 10 forklifts or 500, Solideal On-Site Service adapts to your operations. With mobile units, region-wide coverage, and access to the full Solideal tire range, SOS delivers expert service tailored to your environment.
We work around your schedule, respect your site’s safety protocols, and help you stay compliant, all while focusing on maximizing uptime and total value of ownership.
Ready to optimize your fleet?
Note: Always consult your sales representative to ensure that the service you require is appropriate and available in your area (for example: tire regrooving and tire filling).
