You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering about using pneumatic tires on a cushion tire forklift!
When it comes to purchasing the right type of tire for your forklift, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:
• Can I put pneumatic tires on a cushion truck? Typically, No.
• Axles and tires are specific to a forklift frame and lifting capacity.
• Buy a pneumatic or solid pneumatic tire forklift for outdoor applications
• Buy a cushion/solid tire forklift for indoor/warehouse applications.
Types of Forklift Tires
Forklifts typically use one of two tire types: cushion or pneumatic. Here’s a quick overview of each type:
– Cushion Tires: These provide great traction on smooth surfaces and are often used in indoor applications.
– Pneumatic Tires: These work well on uneven surfaces and offer better shock absorption, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Whether you’re a mechanic seeking help learning about the different types of forklift tires or trying to decide which tire is best for your application, understanding these two types is key. Hopefully this quick overview will help you make an informed decision.
Cushion Forklift Tires
Mechanics seeking help learning about cushion forklift tires, take note. Cushion forklift tires are the perfect product for material handling applications with concrete or asphalt surfaces, typically found in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers. Here are a few advantages of using cushion-tire forklifts:
– They cost less than comparable capacity pneumatic models
– They take up less space than pneumatic models
– But, they have a lower resale value. Odds are, you’ll be using the tires until they need to be replaced, so the lower-value on the used market isn’t typically a huge concern.
Pneumatic Forklift Tires
Mechanics seeking help learning about pneumatic forklift tires should consider the following points:
– Pneumatic tire forklifts can be used in locations like lumber yards and construction sites, and also on asphalt or on compacted dirt
– They have a larger frame with higher initial price but when it comes to resale, pneumatics have a higher value due to their surface versatility.
– There are two types of pneumatic tires, solid pneumatics and air pneumatics. Solid pneumatics are made from solid rubber, making them more difficult to puncture, and air pneumatics are standard, air-filled forklift tires.
By understanding the differences between the two types of pneumatic forklift tires, mechanics can better make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right tire for their particular needs.
Can you put pneumatic tires on a cushion tire forklift?
Cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts have different frames, so you cannot simply change from cushion to pneumatic tires if your application changes. You can, however, change to a different tire style — from smooth press-on tires to traction, grooved or wide-track tires, or from a press-on tire to resilient solid forklift tires.
Mechanics seeking help learning about replacing forklift tires should be aware that the frames for cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts are different, so a direct switch isn’t possible.
However, you can still change to a different tire style:
- From smooth press-ons to traction, grooved or wide-track tires
- From Press-on tire to solid forklift tires
By understanding the differences between these styles, mechanics can ensure their forklifts are outfitted with the best possible tires for their application.
Tire Tread / Profile Style
There are several types of tire tread or profile style to choose from that can suit different applications and operating conditions. Here’s a brief overview:
– Smooth tires are best suited for dry indoor applications and all steer axles
– Traction tires are great general-purpose options to consider for a wide variety of applications
– Grooved tires are ideal for larger-capacity trucks where loads and operating conditions are extreme
– Wide-track traction tires are designed for all-season indoor-outdoor use.
