Having the right forklift tires on your forklift is something that owners often don’t think about. But it is the one thing on a forklift that can save your business a lot of cost.
The most common types of forklift tires are solid or pneumatic.
Pneumatic tyres
Think of these as just like your car tires. They have tubes filled with air.
Solid tyres
These tyres are generally referred to as Puncture Proof and are solid rubber-filled pneumatic profile tire
Different tyres from different manufacturers will vary, with different ply ratings, made from different compounds, and will have a different treads. When choosing your forklift it’s important to make sure that the right tyres are used in the right application.
By making sure your forklift tyres remain in good shape. It can help reduce wear and tear on the forklift transmission, fuel efficiency is improved and the forklift driver will have a much more comfortable ride.
Application and Your tire
Depending on what application your operating your forklift in, will dictate what type of tyre your forklift will be running.
There are several different types of forklift tires
Pneumatic tyres
These are just like your car tires, filled with air, and are made from thick wear-resistant rubber. They are generally best used on uneven or rougher surfaces.
Solid tyres/Puncture Proof
A solid tyre, is now one of the most common tyres. Generally, a solid pneumatic profile tyre. The great thing about these types of tires is that they will usually last 2 – 3 times longer than pneumatic tyres, and being solid means they won’t get punctured.
Cushion tyres
A cushion tyre is a thin rubber tyre that is pressed onto a metal band. Generally, these types of tyres are found on forklifts, that are used in warehousing or places with concrete flooring. The forklifts are designed in a way that they will have a lot smaller turning radius.
Non-marking tyres
Are exactly the same as solid/puncture-proof tyres, but instead of being made from black rubber, they are made from white rubber.
The difference is that the white rubber tyre will not leave Black scuff marks on an otherwise clean concrete floor. The only downfall with these types of tires is that they have a shortened life span.
Polyurethane wheels
Are almost exclusively used on warehousing and indoor forklifts, like walkie stackers or reach trucks. They can range from a small castor wheel found on the front of a straddle leg to the large drive wheel on the back of a reach truck.
Foam Filled
These are a pneumatic tyre that is filled with a special resin. They can give slightly more cushioning than a Puncture Proof tire on the forklift.
Way to Make sure your tyres last
When it comes to storing forklift tyres, it is best to avoid storing them for longer than a few months at a time. They need to be stored in a cool and dark dirt and oil-free area.
Just like your car tyre, the hard and faster you drive them and spin your tyres the quicker your forklift tyres will wear out a lot quicker. Maintain them, drive your forklift normally and you will get maximum life out of them
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