All You Need To Know About Forklift Tire Types & Sizes

It’s always important to know the correct forklift tire type and size for your material handling operations. From rough terrain pneumatic tires to indoor cushion options, the ideal tire size and type varies based on several factors, including industry, environment, and production sensitivity. Understanding these factors will help you determine the type of forklift tire that will result in optimal safety and productivity. Knowing what you need is the best way to get value when buying new or used forklift parts for sale. This article is going to outline all you need to know about forklift tire types and sizes. Read on.

Pneumatic forklift tires

Pneumatic tires can be used for indoor and outdoor jobs, depending on the materials. They have thicker thread than cushion tires, which offers traction and stability on uneven surfaces.

Air Pneumatic Tires 

Air pneumatic forklift tires closely resemble car tires. They are filled with air and feature thick, durable treading, which is ideal for both indoor or outdoor applications. Pneumatic tires are wider and longer than their cushion counterparts, making them more suitable than cushion tires for outdoor environments. They can also easily absorb uneven ground. Use  air pneumatic tires for;

• Jobs that require indoor and outdoor use
• Multi-use and versatile jobs on gravel, small rocks or other uneven outdoor sites
• Heavy-load and high-capacity projects
• Work requiring a sturdy, shock-absorbing ride

Solid Pneumatic Tires

Made from solid rubber, pneumatic forklift tires won’t be easily punctured by job site debris like metal or nails. Their toughness and durability is best applied in outdoor environments, like recycling centers or lumber yards, due to their ability to tackle rough terrain. While they usually cost more than air pneumatic tires, the solid pneumatic option makes up for it with a long lifespan and maximized productivity in tough job sites. Use Solid Pneumatic Tires for;

• Lumberyards
• Recycling
• Railyards
• Agriculture job sites
• Airport loading site
• Other rough terrain application
• Oil, gas & mining sites

Cushion Forklift Tires

Formed from solid rubber molded to a steel band, cushion tires are ideal for smooth, indoor surfaces, like you’d find in a warehouse. This option is often more cost-effective and sustainable than pneumatic variations, as they require less manufacturing material and labor. Cushion tire forklifts work well in compact warehouse areas in which small tires and low ground clearance are required.  Use cushion tires for;

•   Indoor warehouses & other indoor job sites with smooth flooring
•   Compact spaces requiring low ground clearance
•   Smaller forklift frames
•   Navigating narrow aisles

Specialty Forklift Tires

Non-Marking Forklift Tires

Non-marking forklift tires help you avoid leaving black marks and stains on your warehouse floor. You can customize pneumatic, solid, and cushion tires to be non-marking when the situation demands it. Traditional tires can be converted to non-marking tires, which may be used in an array of indoor and outdoor warehouse settings when needed.

Designed without carbon black, non-marking tires are also the ideal solution in sensitive applications like food and paper production, as they avoid cross-contamination with the carbon dust.  Use non-marking tires for;

• Warehouses where you want to avoid leaving black marks on the floor
• Food storage & packaging operations
• Paper production sites
• Other job-sites in which operators need to avoid cross-contamination

Forklift Tire Size Guide

You can find your recommended size in your owner’s manual, or often on the sidewall of the tire. It’s important to note that press-on and pneumatic tires record their dimensions differently.

Press-on dimensions are listed as:
“Height of the Outer Diameter x Width x Rim Inside Diameter,”

Pneumatic dimensions are listed as:
“Width x Rim Inside Diameter.”

For example, if you’re searching for a 21-inch tall cushion forklift tire, it would be listed as “21 x 7 x 15.” Alternatively, a 14-inch wide pneumatic tire would be listed “14 x 24.”

Wrap up

Forklift wheels and frame are usually designed for either pneumatic or cushion options and can rarely accommodate other types. While you can put traction tires on the rear wheels of your forklift and soft tires on the front wheels, they must be all cushion or all pneumatic.  Front and rear tires can differ but you must make sure that both the front pair and back pair are the same type, respectively. That way, you will avoid damaging the steering and axle components of your machine. Accurate Forklift in Atlanta is your one-stop-shop for all types of used forklifts for sale. Call us today to discuss your requirement for used forklift parts for sale, forklifts for sale, forklifts for rent, as well as forklift repair and maintenance in Atlanta.

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