As a trusted supplier of Vertical Mast Lifts, I understand the critical role that well - maintained tires play in the overall performance and safety of these machines. In this blog, I'll share comprehensive insights on how to check the tires of a vertical mast lift, ensuring that your equipment operates at its best.
Pre - inspection Preparations
Before diving into the tire inspection, it's essential to take some safety precautions. First, park the vertical mast lift on a flat, stable surface. Make sure the lift is turned off, and the emergency brake is engaged. If the lift has a platform, lower it to the ground. This not only ensures your safety during the inspection but also provides a stable base for a thorough check.
Visual Inspection
The first step in checking the tires of a vertical mast lift is a visual inspection. Walk around the lift and examine each tire carefully. Look for any signs of cuts, punctures, or bulges on the tire surface. Cuts and punctures can lead to air leakage, which may cause the tire to go flat. Bulges, on the other hand, indicate internal damage to the tire structure, which can be extremely dangerous as it may lead to a sudden tire failure.
Check the tread depth of the tires. Adequate tread depth is crucial for maintaining traction, especially when the lift is operating on slippery or uneven surfaces. You can use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth accurately. In general, a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch is recommended for most vertical mast lift tires. If the tread depth is below this level, it's time to replace the tires.
Inspect the sidewalls of the tires for any signs of cracking or splitting. These issues can be caused by age, exposure to harsh chemicals, or excessive heat. Cracks and splits in the sidewalls can weaken the tire and increase the risk of a blowout.
Pressure Check
Proper tire pressure is vital for the performance and longevity of the tires. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced traction, and increased fuel consumption. To check the tire pressure, you'll need a reliable tire pressure gauge.
Refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the recommended tire pressure for your vertical mast lift. This information can usually be found in the operator's manual or on a sticker located on the lift itself. Remove the valve cap from the tire and press the pressure gauge onto the valve stem. The gauge will display the current tire pressure.
Compare the measured pressure with the recommended pressure. If the pressure is too low, add air to the tire using an air compressor until the correct pressure is reached. If the pressure is too high, release some air by gently pressing the valve stem with a small tool.
It's important to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, as the pressure can increase when the tires are hot due to friction during operation. Checking the pressure when the tires are cold ensures an accurate reading.
Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment is essential for even tire wear and smooth operation of the vertical mast lift. Misaligned wheels can cause the tires to wear unevenly, leading to premature tire failure.
To check the wheel alignment, you can perform a simple visual inspection. Look at the tires from the front and rear of the lift. The tires should be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. If you notice that the tires are leaning inwards or outwards, it may indicate a wheel alignment problem.
In some cases, you may need to use specialized equipment to check the wheel alignment accurately. If you suspect that the wheels are misaligned, it's best to have the alignment checked and adjusted by a professional technician.
Mounting and Fasteners
Inspect the wheel mounting and fasteners to ensure that they are secure. Loose or damaged wheel mounting bolts can cause the wheels to wobble, which can lead to uneven tire wear and potentially dangerous operating conditions.
Check the torque of the wheel mounting bolts using a torque wrench. Refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the correct torque value. If the bolts are loose, tighten them to the recommended torque. If any of the bolts are damaged, replace them immediately.
Rotation
Tire rotation is a maintenance practice that involves moving the tires from one position to another on the lift. This helps to ensure even tire wear and extends the lifespan of the tires.
The frequency of tire rotation depends on several factors, such as the type of tires, the operating conditions, and the usage pattern of the lift. As a general rule, it's recommended to rotate the tires every 50 - 100 hours of operation or as specified by the manufacturer.
When rotating the tires, follow the recommended rotation pattern provided by the manufacturer. This pattern is designed to ensure that the tires wear evenly and that the front and rear tires are used interchangeably.
When to Replace Tires
Despite regular maintenance, there comes a time when the tires of a vertical mast lift need to be replaced. Here are some signs that indicate it's time to replace the tires:
- Excessive Tread Wear: As mentioned earlier, if the tread depth is below the recommended minimum, the tires should be replaced.
- Severe Damage: If the tires have significant cuts, punctures, bulges, cracks, or splits that cannot be repaired, they need to be replaced.
- Age: Tires can deteriorate over time, even if they have not been used extensively. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are more than 6 - 10 years old, regardless of their condition.
Conclusion
Regularly checking the tires of your vertical mast lift is an essential part of equipment maintenance. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can ensure that your tires are in good condition, which will not only improve the performance and safety of the lift but also extend the lifespan of the tires.
At our company, we offer a wide range of high - quality Hydraulic Electric Vertical Mast Lift, Electric Vertical Access Platform, and Lifting Mast products. If you're in the market for a new vertical mast lift or need replacement tires for your existing equipment, we're here to help. Our team of experts can provide you with the right solutions and advice to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to start a procurement discussion and take your aerial work to the next level.
References
- Manufacturer's Operator Manuals for Vertical Mast Lifts
- Industry Standards for Aerial Work Platform Tires
- Tire Manufacturer's Technical Bulletins
