How Do I Choose Between Cushion & Pneumatic Tires on a Forklift?

Choosing the right tire depends mainly on the type of forklift.

The tires you use on a forklift can make a major difference in its handling and safety characteristics and maintenance expenses. Choosing the right tire depends mainly on the type of your machine. Before you go about selecting a tire, it is vital to check if you really have an option; most forklifts are designed with a particular frame that accepts only a specific type of tire. Provided you have a choice, study the properties of both cushion and pneumatic tires. Consider these features along with your particular application before deciding which one is best for you.

Things You'll Need

• Forklift owner manual

Instructions

1. Refer to the forklift owner manual. Most forklifts that run on cushion tires and pneumatic tires have entirely different frames. Check the owner manual of your forklift for specifications regarding the recommended parts. Accordingly, decide if you should use cushion or pneumatic tires. If the manual prescribes no one definite type, decide as per other considerations, such as the type of forklift and the surface over which you are using the forklift.

2. Check the type of forklift. If you have an electric forklift truck or an electric pallet jack truck, choose cushion tires. These tires are more efficient because they do not require a large amount of friction. If your forklift runs on diesel or liquid propane gas, use pneumatic tires.

3. Check the area of use. Cushion tires are softer than pneumatic tires and therefore unsuitable for rough terrains. Besides, cushion tires are set lower on the forklift and can cause you to be stuck on uneven ground. Hence, if you are going to operate your forklift outdoors, don't select cushion tires. Use them only on forklifts intended for use on smooth pavements and warehouses with concrete flooring.

   For forklifts that are for outdoor use, choose pneumatic tires. Consider the terrain over which the forklift will run. Pneumatic tires can work on surfaces with packed stones or gravel and crushed concrete but not over extremely rough terrain and potholed roads or fields.

4. Consider space constraints. If you are using the forklift exclusively indoors, consider the amount of space that is available to operate the forklift. Manufacturing facilities, for instance, may have less space than a warehouse. Cushion tires have a turning radius that is lesser than pneumatic tires, so if space is a constraint, choose cushion tires. If there is enough space to allow for a large turning radius, use pneumatic tires.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be operating your forklift for longer hours on a daily basis, and rider comfort is a significant factor, select pneumatic tires that are more comfortable than cushion tires.

References

• Mitsubishi Fork Lift Trucks: Pick the Right Tire
• Everything Forklifts: Finding the Different Forklifts Los Angeles, CA Offers to Businesses
• Sliski Service: Sliski Service Buyers Guide for New and Used Forklifts
• ACE Forklift: Choosing Forklift Tires