Overall, there are three basic types of
tires available for forklifts: cushion, pneumatic air and solid pneumatic.
Since each type of forklift tire is designed for specific usages and
applications, there is often a correlation between tire type and the overall
design and dimensions of a forklift. The by-product of this relationship is a
categorization system that identifies forklifts by tire type above other –
seemingly more important – considerations. In accordance with this correlation,
it is essential that potential buyers consider both their operating conditions
and work environment throughout the purchasing process.
Ideal for indoor applications, cushion tires are constructed of solid rubber attached to a round metal rim and have the smallest diameter of the three options. For cushion tire forklifts, this results in a smaller chassis, lower ground clearance and a superior turning radius when compared to other models. In turn, this creates a more maneuverable forklift capable of operating in the narrow aisles and restrictive spacing typically found in applications such as indoor manufacturing & distribution facilities, receiving docks and/or greenhouses.
Larger and wider than solid cushion tires,
pneumatic forklift tires are constructed of a treaded rubber exterior with an
internal cavity filled with air or, occasionally, polyurethane foam. When
combined with the added durability and ground clearance that results from these
design features, pneumatic forklift tires are the preferred option for
heavy-duty and/or outdoor applications with rough, uneven terrain. Since
forklifts are built without a suspension system, pneumatic tires will also
provide the operator with superior comfort by suppressing bumps and vibration,
thereby decreasing operator fatigue and improving productivity.
Similar to pneumatic air tires, solid pneumatic
tires are constructed of aggressively layered rubber yet lack the hollow
internal cavity of a pneumatic air tire. Solid pneumatic tires are best viewed
as a combination of the solid construction of a cushion tire and the durability
of a pneumatic tire. The net effect of this combination is a forklift tire that
is less susceptible to punctures or damage from sharp, irregular objects or debris,
such as those typically found in storage facilities, lumber mills and scrap
metal yards. This dynamic construction also means that solid pneumatic tires
are more versatile than the other two tire types, which enables owners to
utilize them in small to mid-sized operations that have both indoor and outdoor
applications.
