Getting the Right Forklift Tire Fit for Safety and Performance

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In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Robert Renfrew, who represents Interfit. Interfit is a service network provider under Trelleborg, now part of the Yokohama TWS family. Recorded live from ProMat 2025, the discussion focuses on the vital yet often overlooked role of forklift tires in ensuring safety, performance, and cost efficiency. Renfrew breaks down the unique demands of material handling applications, common mistakes warehouse operators make, and how Interfit is stepping in as a trusted advisor to keep operations running smoothly.

Why Forklift Tire Fit Matters More Than You Think

Material handling environments demand more from tires than most people realize. Forklift tires, in particular, are engineered for very specific applications. As Renfrew puts it, “Even the slightest little flex on that front tire tilts the balance of the loaded forklift. That’s not pretty.” Whether navigating sterile environments or rugged outdoor yards, having the right tire with the right tread compound isn’t just a performance issue—it’s a safety one.

Interfit’s approach is consultative. Their team doesn’t just sell tires; they assess the entire fleet, the operating environment, and the load patterns. That attention to detail is critical because “You want a non-marking tire in sterile environments. But if you’re handling electronics or chemicals, you need something that can dissipate electricity.” The wrong choice isn’t just inefficient; it could lead to serious risk.

Indicators and Innovations for Smarter Forklift Tire Maintenance

Operators may not check tires every shift, but Interfit’s tools make it easier to determine when a tire swap is due. Renfrew shared how “every tire we manufacture has a little arrow on it that says TWI. It’s tread wear indicator,” giving users a visual clue. However, Interfit takes it a step further with its patented “Pit Stop Line,” a bright orange strip embedded in the tire that appears when only 100 hours of safe operation remain.

Interfit also offers fleet surveys at no cost, providing detailed reports and recommendations for changeouts. Through its digital tool, iFit, users receive data down to the machine level—tracking hours, tire changes, and identifying performance issues early. As Renfrew explains, “They can actually track how many tires have been replaced on this machine, how many hours they’re getting out of it.” That kind of transparency is invaluable for optimizing cost and uptime.

Educating Operators and Expanding Nationwide

Tire wear isn’t always intuitive, especially with used forklifts that come with mismatched tires. Renfrew notes this is a common issue: “It’s very important, even if you do get a forklift [aftermarket], that’s where we come in as the professionals.” Interfit’s team educates its customers through ride-alongs, training seminars, and proactive account support, ensuring their clients know what to look for before it becomes a problem.

Looking ahead, Interfit plans to double its presence in North America. With 10 current service locations and a mix of brick-and-mortar shops, mobile press trucks, and Interfit Light partners, they’re rapidly expanding their reach. And if Interfit isn’t nearby, “we have an entire dedicated team of aftermarket sales on the Trelleborg side that can get you connected,” said Renfrew. For operators in need of a checkup, Interfit offers wear gauges, tutorials, and in-person assessments.

Key Takeaways

• 50% of OE forklift market: Trelleborg, Interfit’s manufacturing partner, commands half of the original equipment forklift tire market.
  
• Tires built for the job:  Special compounds for sterile, electrical, or rugged environments maximize safety and longevity.
  
• Built-in wear indicators: TWI and the patented “Pit Stop Line” help operators know precisely when to change tires.
• Tracking with iFit: Full account-level and machine-specific tire tracking enables fleets to monitor wear and usage patterns.

Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Guest Information

For more information on Interfit, click here.

To connect with Robert on LinkedIn, click here.

For more information about the right forklift tire or material handling equipment, check out the podcasts below. 

Lift Truck Technologies from Yale: ProMat 2025

Forklift Industry Future Unveiled: NOBLELIFT Live from ProMat

MHI Industry Series: The Warehouse & DC Solutions Network Advantage

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