AS 2359.1:2015 Powered industrial trucks
5.1.1 Tyres .
Tyres shall withstand the maximum rated loads imposed to maintain longitudinal and lateral stability. The principal matters to be considered when selecting tyres for industrial applications are as follows:
(a) Maximum load to be carried.
(b) Maximum speed likely to be attained. Tyre manufacturers’ data shall be consulted for load/ speed/distance recommendations. In the main, industrial tyres are made for slow speed, short distances and intermittent operating conditions, i.e. not suitable for highway use. Only‘Not for Highway Service’ (NHS) tyres shall be used on fork-lift trucks for pneumatic tyre application.
(c) The physical dimensions in which the tyre will operate， i.e. ground and truck structure clearances.
(d) The ground conditions, i.e. smooth, rough, wet, dry.
(e) The type of motive power in the equipment involved, e.g. battery, diesel, LP Gas.
(f) The environmental considerations, e.g. stability, fire/explosion risk, floor marking.
(g) The nature of the loads being carried by the equipment.
The tyre tread pattern shall give the truck a handling characteristic which is appropriate to the intended usage. The use of specifically designed smooth or slick tread pattern tyres is acceptable for forklifts. Smooth or slick tread pattern tyres are not recommended where a forklift is registered for use on public roads.
All tyres on any axle shall be of the same type and also shall have the same tread pattern, size and rating. Where it is necessary for tyres on the front and rear axles to be of the same size and tread pattern, they shall have the same rating.
All tyres shall have correct outside diameters, to avoid having one tyre larger in diameter than the other, on the same axle. Cushion tyres on each axle shall retain correct bonding to the metal bands or rims, and shall be of similar condition. Pneumatic tyres shall be inflated to the inflation pressures specified by the truck manufacturer. For pneumatic tyres, the tyre inflation valve and stem shall be located within the wheel profile.
Where sidewall damage is likely, e.g. operation in a steelyard, recycling operation or similar, consideration should be given to-
(i) tyre in-fill’ materials; or
(ii) fitment of resilient tyres. If pneumatic tyres are utilized in a harsh environment, the tyres should be of the‘wide wall’ or side guard’ design or scuff rings fitted to minimize damage and the possibility of blowouts or sudden deflation.
NOTE: For description of various types of truck tyres, see Appendix D.