Forklifts come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and each type of forklift uses a unique set of tires. In general, tires are classified as cushion or pneumatic, although subcategories are present within those categories. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire lift trucks have differing frames, which makes them not cross-compatible.

Although most forklift tires are sturdy and durable, they must be be replaced periodically. Raymond West has tires for a broad selection of forklifts at very favorable prices.

Cushion Tires

Sometimes referred to as Press On Tires, this sort of tire is primarily used indoors, and sometimes outdoors on smooth surface materials. Cushion tires are of a smaller diameter compared to other varieties of forklift tires, and as such have a shorter turning radius. This makes them best for smaller spaces such as warehouse aisles. Mounting a cushion tire on a forklift wheel mandates the use of a hydraulic press.

Among the press on tire categorization, there are a couple of typical types:

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are often used indoors or on flat surfaces outside such as asphalt or concrete. They consist of solid rubber, molded around a solid steel band. These types of tires can be smooth or have a tread. Frequently the forward forklift wheels will have treaded tires while the back wheels used for steering will be smooth.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid poly tires work with heavier loads than their rubber counterparts, and are optimal for narrow aisle applications, order pickers and other warehouse duties. Lightweight tires like these are more resistant to tearing, chunking, and splitting than rubber, and they can last up to twice as long as rubber when carefully maintained.

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires often are used for outside applications, and are better suited to rough or uneven surface conditions than press on tires. They possess superb traction and taller ground clearance which makes them optimal for rougher surfaces.

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

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires work best for smooth surface indoor and outdoor heavy duty applications. Constructed with solid rubber and basically puncture proof, they are best used for terrain with pointy objects, like recycling yards or construction sites.

Non Marking Tires

Non-marking options are available for pneumatic, solid pneumatic, and solid tires. These are assembled using hydrated silicas and other additives to refrain from leaving floors marred by black marks.

These kinds of tires are commonly used in retail facilities or other areas where the aesthetic of floors are important. They are likewise used in some industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are concerns.

There are a few detractors to using non-marking tires. Firstly, they often don’t have the durability of traditional tire varieties and as such need replacement more often. One more problem is that they experience static electricity buildup, and a forklift using them needs to be equipped with static remediation technology.

Forklift Tires Near Me

With proper maintenance, your lift truck tires can decrease energy usage, significantly improve operator comfort, and boost your overall productivity. To talk to a forklift tire specialist, call Raymond West today!

Raymond West's Nogales facility serves Santa Cruz County and Pima County, including Nogales, Patagonia, Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and surrounding areas

Raymond West | Nogales Forklift Dealer

480 N Mariposa Rd C
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 281-4125