Forklifts can be purchased in a variety of sizes and shapes, and each kind of forklift has a unique set of tires. Generally, tires are either cushion or pneumatic, although subcategories are present within those options. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire lift trucks have differing frames, so they lack cross-compatibility.

Although your forklift tires are tough and durable, they have to be changed out every now and then. Raymond West has tires for a broad selection of forklifts at very competitive prices.

Cushion Tires

Also referred to as Press On Tires, this type of tire is generally used indoors, and also outdoors on smooth surfaces. Cushion tires have a shorter diameter compared to other sorts of lift truck tires, and as such possess a shorter turning radius; making them better for narrower areas such as warehouse aisles. Mounting a press on tire onto a forklift wheel requires the use of a hydraulic press.

Within the cushion tire categorization, two general types are found:

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are often used within a warehouse or on flat outdoor surfaces like concrete or asphalt. They consist of solid rubber, attaching to fit around a steel band. This sort of tire can be smooth or have a tread. Usually the forward tires will have a tread while the rear wheels that control steering are smooth.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid polyurethane tires work with bigger loads compared to rubber tires, and they are perfect for narrow aisles, order pickers and other warehouse tasks. These tires are lightweight, and are more resistant to splitting, tearing, and chunking in comparison to rubber, and they can last up to twice as long as rubber when taken care of.

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires often are used for outdoor applications, and are better suited for uneven or rough surface conditions than press on tires. They possess noteworthy traction and higher clearance with the ground which makes them ideal for uneven terrain.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This kind of pneumatic tire is inflated with air, and is optimally used on the roughest surfaces where there is a concern about shock absorption, both for the safety of the forklift and the operator’s comfort. The downside of these tires is that they are in danger of puncture, so they are sometimes filled with foam instead of air to ward off flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires are designed for level surface inside and outside heavy duty scenarios. Built from solid rubber and nearly puncture resistant, they are a good choice for terrain with pointy objects, like construction sites or recycling yards.

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 floors covered in black marks.

These types of tires are commonly found in retail facilities or any areas where unmarked floors are of concern. Sometimes they are used in certain industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are important.

There are some drawbacks to using non-marking tires. Firstly, they often don’t have the durability of traditional tire varieties and can need more frequent replacement. A second complication is that static electricity builds up on them, and any forklift that has them must be set up with static abatement options.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When properly maintained, your lift truck tires can decrease energy usage, greatly improve operator comfort, and boost your collective productivity. To speak with a forklift tire advisor, call Raymond West today!

Raymond West's Ontario, California facility serves parts of Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, including Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne, San Dimas, Covina, West Covina, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, Chino, Norco, Eastvale, Corona, Jurupa Valley, San Bernardino, Rialto and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Ontario California Forklift Dealer

4602 E Brickell St
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 930-9399