Know Your Tires: Your Guide to Understanding Forklift Tires

 

When buying a new or used forklift it is important to keep in mind what you will be using the forklift for and what sort of capacities your facility requires. Forklifts come in a wide variety of sizes and many are designed for specific purposes, such as lifting in tight spaces or carrying heavy loads of goods.

It is important to recognize that it is not just the cab, forks, or counterweight that make a forklift well-suited for a specific purpose or environment. The forklift’s tires also play a key role in its function and performance. In this post, NovaLift Equipment will be exploring different types of tires for forklifts and explain which one is best suited for your needs.

Air & Solid Pneumatic Tires

A pneumatic tire on a forklift is similar to the tires on a car, which is great for indoor and outdoor versatility. Pneumatic tires can either be air filled or solid.  Air filled pneumatic tires are inflated with air which are slightly less durable because they can sustain punctures, similar to a car tire.

On the other hand, a solid pneumatic tire is more durable than an air filled tire and is suited to outdoor environments as well as indoor facilities without running the risk of punctures.

With this information it is also best to take into consideration that both types of pneumatic tires require maintenance and replacement, just like car tires.

Cushion Tires

 A cushion tire is built with a simple and sleek design of a metal band wrapped in a solid piece of flat rubber that does not require much maintenance. Cushion tires will not deflate or deform; however, these tires cannot withstand outdoor or rough terrain usage. This is due to their flat design which prevents them from gripping onto surfaces effectively, meaning they are only recommended for indoor use. However, cushion tires have a better turn radius and can handle tight spaces in warehouses with smooth even flooring.

Get Forklift Tires & Parts in Toronto & the GTA

When purchasing a forklift, it is recommended that you know the environment that the forklift will be mostly operating in. Knowing the type of terrain and the capacities that the forklift will be used with can not only extend the lifespan of your forklift, but also save you on maintenance and costly repairs.

Whether you are in need of pneumatic or cushion tires for your forklift or have any questions regarding forklift in general, we can help. At NovaLift Equipment, we provide sales, servicing, repair and replacement parts for your forklift so your facility and warehouse can operate at maximum efficiency. Contact our team today to learn more.