Sit-down counterbalance forklifts can be very difficult to stop, particularly on wet surfaces. Many operators don't know the vehicles have brakes only on the front wheels.

One way to maximise braking effort is to use the correct tyres, and to maintain them properly. Tread and tyre type should be tailored to individual applications to decrease wear and improve stopping distances.

Pneumatic tyre life and traction can be dramatically changed with air pressure adjustments. Over-inflation results in less braking ability, due to loss of traction, and causes accelerated wear. Under-inflation can sometimes improve braking performance, but compromises stability and accelerates wear.

Maintaining tyres for safety can decrease operating costs. Two things for the price of one.

Wayne Chornohus is a forklift consultant with Hunter Industries Ltd. He brings more than 20 years' experience in the forklift and training industries to the Forkliftaction.com community.