Forklifts come in a broad selection of shapes and sizes, and each sort of forklift has a different set of tires. In general, tires are classified as cushion or pneumatic, although distinctions extist within those options. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire lift trucks have different structures, which makes them lack cross-compatibility.

Despire the fact that your tires are tough and durable, they do need to be changed out every now and then. Raymond West has tires for all sorts of forklifts at extremely competitive prices.

Cushion Tires

Also known as Press On Tires, this type of tire is generally used indoors, and occasionally outside on level surface materials. Cushion tires have a smaller diameter than different sorts of lift truck tires, and as such have a smaller turning radius. This means they are best for narrower areas such as warehouse aisles. Putting a cushion tire on a lift truck wheel requires the use of a hydraulic press.

Within the cushion tire selection, a couple of typical types are found:

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are used indoors or on even surfaces outdoors such as concrete or asphalt. They are constructed with solid rubber, attaching to fit around a steel band. This kind of tire can be smooth or have a tread. Usually the front tires will have a tread while the back tires that control steering lack treading.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid polyurethane tires can hold heavier loads than rubber tires, and are optimal for narrow aisle applications, order pickers and other warehouse scenarios. Lightweight tires like these are more resistant to splitting, tearing, and chunking when compared to rubber, and they can last up to twice as long as rubber when properly maintained.

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires are often used in outdoor settings, and are better suited for uneven or rough surfaces than cushion tires. They possess noteworthy traction and taller ground clearance which makes them suited for rougher surfaces.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This variety of pneumatic is inflated with air, and is designed for rougher surfaces where there is a concern about shock absorption, both for the lift truck’s longevity and the comfort of the operator. The potential issue with these tires is that they are more easily punctured, so they are sometimes filled with foam in order to prevent flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires are good for smooth surface indoor / outdoor heavy duty applications. Constructed with solid rubber and nearly puncture proof, they are a good choice for environments with pointy objects, like construction sites or recycling yards.

Non Marking Tires

Pneumatic, solid neumatic, and solid tires have non-marking options available. These are assembled with hydrated silicas and other additives to avoid leaving black marks on floors.

These varieties of tires are frequently used in retail facilities or any places where clean floors matter. They may also be used in a selection of industrial or food processing plants where dust reduction and cleanliness are important.

Some drawbacks exist to using non-marking tires. Firstly, sometimes they don’t have the durability of traditional tire varieties and as such need replacement more often. One more complication is that they experience static electricity buildup, and any lift truck with them needs to be set up with static abatement options.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When maintained properly, your lift truck tires can decrease energy usage, significantly improve the comfort of operators, and enhance your overall efficiency. To speak with a forklift tire advisor, give Raymond West a call today!

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Forklift Dealer

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500