Forklifts are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and each sort of forklift has a different set of tires. Usually, tires are either pneumatic or cushion, although there are some distinctions within those categories. Pneumatic tire and cushion tire forklifts have different structures, which makes them not cross-compatible.

Although your tires are tough and sturdy, they have to be changed out every now and then. Raymond West offers tires for all sorts of forklifts at extremely affordable prices.

Cushion Tires

Sometimes called Press On Tires, this variety of tire is generally used indoors, and also outside on even surface materials. Cushion tires are of a shorter diameter than other varieties of lift truck tires, and thus possess a narrower turning radius. This makes them ideal for confined areas like warehouse aisles. Fixating a press on tire onto a lift truck wheel requires a hydraulic press.

As part of the press on tire category, there exist a couple of standard types:

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are often used inside or on smooth surfaces outdoors like asphalt or concrete. They are made from solid rubber, shaped around a solid steel band. These types of tires can be smooth or have a tread. Usually the front tires will have a tread while the rear wheels that control steering lack treading.

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

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires are commonly used outdoors, and are better suited for rough or uneven surface materials as opposed to cushion tires. They possess superb traction and higher ground clearance making them ideal for uneven terrain.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This type of pneumatic tire is pumped up with air, and is designed for rougher surfaces where shock absorption is important, both for the integrity of the forklift and the comfort of the operator. The concern about these tires is that they are in danger of puncture, and sometimes they are filled with foam to reduce flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires are designed for smooth surface inside and outside heavy duty scenarios. Built from solid rubber and basically puncture proof, they are best used for places with sharp objects, like recycling yards or construction sites.

Non Marking Tires

Pneumatic, solid neumatic, and solid tires have non-marking options available. These are made using hydrated silicas and other additives to prevent leaving floors covered in black marks.

These types of tires are often used in retail facilities or other areas where floor aesthetics matter. They may also be used in a selection of industrial or food processing plants where dust reduction and cleanliness are factors.

There are some drawbacks to using non-marking tires. Firstly, they often are not as durable as other tires and can need replacement more often. A second issue is that they experience static electricity buildup, and a lift with them must be equipped with static abatement technology.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When properly maintained, your lift truck tires can decrease energy consumption, significantly improve the comfort of operators, and boost your collective efficiency. To talk to a lift truck tire expert, call Raymond West today!

Raymond's Seattle service operation includes most of Western Washington, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Everett, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, Kent, Federal Way, Fife, Sumner, Auburn, Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Olympia, Lacey and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Seattle Forklift Dealer

6607 S 287th St
Auburn, WA 98001
(253) 333-2100