Forklifts come in many different sizes and shapes, and each kind of forklift has its own specific set of tires. Usually, tires are either pneumatic or cushion, however subcategories are present within those classifications. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts have different types of frames, which makes them not cross-compatible.

While most forklift tires are tough and sturdy, they have to be replaced periodically. Raymond West distributes tires for all types of forklifts at highly favorable prices.

Cushion Tires

Sometimes referred to as Press On Tires, this variety of tire is generally used inside, and also outside on smooth surface materials. Cushion tires are smaller in diameter than different varieties of lift truck tires, and as such possess a smaller turning radius. This makes them ideal for narrower spaces like warehouse aisles. Putting a press on tire on a forklift wheel mandates the use of a hydraulic press.

As part of the cushion tire categorization, there are a couple of general types:

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are used inside or on even outdoor surfaces like asphalt or concrete. They are constructed with solid rubber, shaped to fit around a steel band. This kind of tire can be smooth or have a tread. Often the forward forklift wheels will have treaded tires while the rear wheels that control steering will be smooth.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid poly tires can support larger loads than their rubber counterparts, and are perfect for narrow aisles, order pickers and other warehouse jobs. These tires are lightweight, and are more resistant to chunking, splitting and tearing than rubber, and they can last up to twice as long as rubber when carefully maintained.

Pneumatic Tires

Solid pneumatic and pneumatic tires are often used outside, and are better suited to rough or uneven surface conditions than press on tires. They possess excellent traction and higher clearance with the ground meaning they are well suited to uneven terrain.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This variety of pneumatic tire is inflated with air, and works best with the roughest surfaces where shock absorption is important, both for the forklift’s integrity and the comfort of the operator. The concern about regular pneumatic tires is that they are susceptible to punctures, so sometimes they are filled with foam instead of air to reduce flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires work best for smooth surface indoor and outdoor heavy duty applications. Made from solid rubber and almost entirely puncture proof, they are the best option for terrain with pointy objects, such as recycling yards or construction sites.

Non Marking Tires

Non-marking options are available for pneumatic, solid pneumatic, and solid tires. These are made with hydrated silicas and other additives to avoid leaving black marks on floors.

These varieties of tires are frequently used in retail or other places where unmarked floors are important. Sometimes they are used in a selection of industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are factors.

There are some detractors to using non-marking tires. The first is that sometimes they don’t have the durability of other tire varieties and can need to be replaced more often. Another problem is that static electricity builds up on them, and any lift truck that has them needs to be set up with static remediation options.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When maintained properly, your forklift tires can decrease energy usage, significantly improve the comfort of operators, and boost your overall productivity. To talk to a forklift tire expert, give Raymond West a call today!

Raymond West's Fresno facility serves much of the Central Valley, including Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Tulare, Lindsay, Hanford, Lemoore, Los Banos, Santa Nella, Dos Palos, Firebaugh, Kettleman City, Coalinga, Avenal, Mendota, Kerman, San Joaquin, and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Fresno Forklift Dealer

2935 S Elm Ave #101
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 264-7500