Forklifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type of forklift uses a unique set of tires. In general, tires are classified as cushion or pneumatic, although distinctions extist within those options. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts have different types of frames, so they lack interchangeability.

While most tires are durable and tough, they have to be replaced periodically. Raymond West offers tires for a variety of lift trucks at extremely favorable prices.

Cushion Tires

At times referred to as Press On Tires, this type of tire is most often used indoors, and also outdoors on even surfaces. Cushion tires have a shorter diameter as opposed to other varieties of forklift tires, and thus have a narrower turning radius. This means they are best for narrower areas like warehouse aisles. Fixating a press on tire onto a lift truck wheel requires the use of a hydraulic press.

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

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires can be used within a warehouse or on level outdoor surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. They consist of solid rubber, shaped to fit around a steel band. This type of tire can come smooth or with treading. Usually the front tires will be treaded while the rear tires responsible for steering will be smooth.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid poly tires can hold bigger loads than rubber tires, and they are ideal for narrow aisle applications, order pickers and other warehouse duties. These lightweight tires are more resistant to splitting, tearing, and chunking when compared to rubber, and they can survive up to twice as long as rubber when properly cared for.

Pneumatic Tires

Solid pneumatic and pneumatic tires are often used outside, and are better suited to rough or uneven surfaces than press on tires. They possess superb traction and higher ground clearance meaning they are well suited to rougher surfaces.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This kind of tire is pumped up with air, and is designed for very rough surfaces where shock absorption is a concern, both for the forklift’s integrity and the operator’s comfort. The downside of these tires is that they are susceptible to punctures, so they are sometimes filled with foam instead of air in order to prevent flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires are optimized for level surface indoor and outdoor heavy duty applications. Constructed with solid rubber and almost entirely puncture proof, they are a good choice for places with pointy objects, such as construction sites or recycling yards.

Non Marking Tires

Non-marking options are available for solid, solid pneumatic, and pneumatic tires. They are made using hydrated silicas and other additives to refrain from leaving floors covered in black marks.

These types of tires are frequently found in retail facilities or any spots where floor aesthetics are of concern. They may also be used in a selection of industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are factors.

Some drawbacks exist to using non-marking tires. First and foremost, they don’t tend to be as durable as other tires and will need more frequent replacement. A second issue is that they are more prone to static electricity buildup, and any lift that has them has to be equipped with static remediation technology.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When maintained properly, your forklift tires can decrease energy usage, greatly improve operator comfort, and elevate your collective efficiency. To talk to a forklift tire specialist, give Raymond West a call today!

Raymond West's Riverside service area includes Redlands, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Coachella Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Riverside Forklift Dealer

Riverside, CA
(951) 384-2444