On-site tire service, replacement, and maintenance

FORKLIFT TIRE
SERVICE & REPLACEMENT

We Keep
Your
Business Rolling

Welch Equipment provides forklift tire sales, service, and replacement to keep your operation running safely and efficiently.

From on-site service to emergency support, our team responds quickly to minimize downtime and keep your equipment moving. With a wide range of tire options and expert technicians, we help you choose and maintain the right solution for your operation.

ON Site Tire Service

Our mobile service team comes directly to your facility, replacing or servicing tires quickly so you can get back to work with minimum disruption.

Find the Best Tire for Every Job

Tire Type

Forklift & Pallet Tires

Reliable tires are essential for keeping your equipment moving safely and efficiently. What type you need depends on not just the equipment itself but also the work environment and the job you need it to do.

Cushion Tires

Cushion tires are made of smooth, solid rubber pressed directly onto a metal band. They’re designed for use on flat indoor surfaces like concrete or asphalt, making them ideal for warehouses, factories, and loading docks with concrete floors.
  • Compact turning radius
  • Stable under heavy loads
  • Low cost
  • Long lifespan
  • Not for use outdoors
  • Not for uneven surfaces

Air-filled Pneumatic Tires​

Air-filled pneumatic tires resemble truck or car tires and are built for mixed-surface use. Their deep tread and superior shock absorption make them ideal for outdoor yards, construction sites, and lumber operations.
  • Excellent traction
  • Superior shock absorption
  • Susceptible to puncture
  • Air pressure must be maintained

Solid Pneumatic Tires

Solid pneumatic tires resemble truck or car tires and are designed for mixed-surface environments such as outdoor yards, construction sites, and lumber operations.
  • Suitable for rough surfaces
  • Puncture proof
  • Less cushioning
  • Higher cost

Polyurethane Tires

  • Low resistance improves energy efficiency
  • Quiet operation
  • Resistant to chemicals and abrasives
  • Resistant to abrasives and chemicals
  • Built for indoor use
  • Only for use on smooth indoor surfaces

Non-Marking Tires

  • Keep floor free of black streaks
  • Retain less heat than black tires
  • Available in cushion, air-filled pneumatic, and solid pneumatic varieties
  • Protect floors from marking and scuffing
  • Wear somewhat faster than standard black tires

Foam-Filled Tires

  • Eliminate flats
  • Cushioned ride
  • Stable under heavy loads
  • Long lifespan
  • Available in cushion, air-filled pneumatic, and solid pneumatic varieties
  • Great for indoor environments where cleanliness is a priority
  • Higher cost
  • Foam adds weight to the tire, reducing energy efficiency

Specialty Tires

  • Designed for specific environments or performance needs
  • Static-resistant or conductive options
  • Great for electronics facilities and cold environments
  • Engineered to resist cracking and slipping in freezing conditions
  • Higher cost

Pallet Jack Tires

  • Steer wheel and load wheel options
  • Made of polyurethane or nylon
  • Polyurethane options can be expensive
  • Nylon tires can be loud and scratch sensitive floors

Match Tire Performance to Your Workload

Choosing The
Right Tire

When selecting forklift tires, consider these factors:

  • Load weight & frequency of operation
  • Surface conditions
  • Environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, temperature extremes)
  • Cleanliness requirements
  • Maintenance and cost priorities

Keep in mind that regular inspection and maintenance, such as checking inflation, wear, and damage, extend tire life and help ensure safe operation.

TIRE MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION

Air Pressure Maintenance

Maintaining proper air pressure in air-filled forklift tires is essential for safety and longevity. Check pressure regularly using a reliable gauge, ideally when tires are cool, and adjust to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Inspect the valve stem during checks and replace if damaged or leaking.

WHEN TO REPLACE FORKLIFT TIRES

Not sure if your forklift tires need replacing? Our team can help you assess wear and plan your next service.

SCHEDULE A FREE TIRE INSPECTION
forklift tires

Regularly inspect your forklift tires for cracking, splitting, worn tread, or separation. These are clear signs it’s time for replacement.

In general, tires should be replaced when tread wear exceeds manufacturer guidelines or when visible damage begins to impact performance. Environmental factors like load weight, surface conditions, and temperature can also affect lifespan.

Cushion tires 1,000 to 2,000 hours
Air Filled Pneumatic tires 1,500 to 2,500 hours
Solid Pneumatic tires 2,500 to 3,500 hours
Polyurethane tires 500 to 1,500 hours

Forklift Tire inspection checklist

Regular forklift tire inspections help prevent breakdowns, improve safety, and extend equipment life. Before each shift, check for the following:

when to replace tires

  • Tread worn beyond 50% or below 1/8"
  • Tire height reduced by 2 inches
  • Visible cracks, splits, or chunking
  • Cushion tire separation or exposed metal
  • Air loss or flat spots
  • Increased vibration or instability

What to Look For

  • Missing rubber or tread chunks
  • Gaps between tire and rim
  • Smooth patches from spinning under load
  • Debris lodged in tread or sidewall
  • Uneven wear across the tire
  • Excessive tread wear or heigh reduction

Why It Matters

  • Reduces traction and stability
  • Signals tire failure or bonding issues
  • Affects ride quality and load control
  • Can lead to further damage or punctures
  • May indicate alignment issues
  • Increases risk of injury or equipment failure

Forklift tire replacement best practices

To maintain safety and performance, it’s important to use correct tire type for each machine. When replacing tires, keep them consistent. Cushion tires should be replaced as a full set, while pneumatic tires should be replaced in pairs to maintain balance, traction, and control.

delaying tire replacement costs you more

Running equipment on worn forklift tires increases safety risks, reduces performance, and leads to more expensive repairs. Worn tires can lower ground clearance, accelerate drivetrain wear, and increase the risk of instability or tipping.

Replacing tires on time helps protect your team, extend equipment life, and prevent costly downtime.

How Much Downtime Does It Cost YOU?

When your equipment isn’t running, everything slows down. Missed deadlines, idle employees, and frustrated customers all add up quickly. Unplanned downtime impacts your bottom line more than you think.

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