Forklifts are available in a broad selection of shapes and sizes, and each sort of forklift has its own specific set of tires. In general, tires are classified as pneumatic or cushion, however distinctions exist within those options. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts have differing frames, which makes them non interchangeable.
While your forklift tires are long lasting and durable, they have to be changed out every now and then. Welch Equipment has tires for a variety of lift trucks at highly competitive prices.
Cushion Tires
Sometimes called Press On Tires, this sort of tire is generally for indoor use, and occasionally outside on smooth surface materials. Cushion tires have a smaller diameter than other kinds of lift truck tires, and as such possess a shorter turning radius; making them ideal for narrower spaces like warehouse aisles. Mounting a cushion tire on a forklift wheel requires a hydraulic press.
Among the cushion tire categorization, a couple of typical types are found:
- Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are often used inside or on level surfaces outside such as asphalt or concrete. They are made from solid rubber, formed to fit around a steel band. These types of tires can come smooth or with treading. Often the front tires will have a tread while the rear wheels responsible for steering will be smooth.
- Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid polyurethane tires can hold larger loads compared to rubber tires, and are perfect for use in narrow aisles, order pickers and other warehouse duties. Lightweight tires like these are more resistant to splitting, tearing, and chunking when compared to rubber, and their life can be up to twice as long as rubber when taken care of.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires are often used in outdoor settings, and are better suited for rough or uneven surface conditions than press on tires. They possess noteworthy traction and higher ground clearance making them optimal for rougher surfaces.
- Regular Pneumatic Tires: This type of tire is filled with air, and works best with the roughest surfaces where shock absorption is a concern, for both the lift truck’s integrity and the operator’s comfort. The one downside of these tires is that they are subject to punctures, and they are sometimes filled with foam to reduce flats.
- Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires work best for even surface inside and outside heavy duty scenarios. Made from solid rubber and basically puncture resistant, they work best for environments with pointy objects, such as construction sites or recycling yards.
Non Marking Tires
Pneumatic, solid pneumatic, and solid tires have non-marking options available. These are made with hydrated silicas and other additives to refrain from leaving floors marred by black marks.
These types of tires are often used in retail facilities or any settings where floor aesthetics are of concern. They may also be used inside certain industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are concerns.
Some detractors exist to using non-marking tires. The first is that they don’t tend to be as durable as traditional tire varieties and as such need more frequent replacement. A second issue is that they are more prone to static electricity buildup, and any lift truck using them needs to be set up with anti-static equipment.
Forklift Tires Near Me
When maintained properly, your lift truck tires can decrease energy consumption, greatly improve the comfort of operators, and enhance your overall efficiency. To talk to a lift truck tire specialist, call Welch Equipment today!
