Lift trucks can be purchased in a variety of sizes and shapes, and each sort of forklift has a unique set of tires. Usually, tires are classified as pneumatic or cushion, however there are some distinctions within those categories. Cushion tire and pneumatic tire lift trucks have different structures, which makes them lack interchangeability.

Although your tires are durable and tough, they have to be replaced periodically. Raymond West distributes tires for all sorts of lift trucks at highly affordable prices.

Cushion Tires

Also known as Press On Tires, this type of tire is generally used inside, and also outside on smooth surfaces. Cushion tires have a smaller diameter compared to different sorts of lift truck tires, and as such have a narrower turning radius. This makes them best for confined circumstances such as warehouse aisles. Putting a cushion tire onto a lift truck wheel requires a hydraulic press.

Within the press on tire selection, there exist a couple of standard types:

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are used inside or on level surfaces outdoors like asphalt or concrete. They consist of solid rubber, molded to fit around a steel band. This sort of tire can be smooth or have a tread. Frequently the forward tires will be treaded while the back tires used for steering lack treading.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid polyurethane tires are able to support heavier loads than their rubber counterparts, and they are perfect for narrow aisles, order pickers and other warehouse jobs. These lightweight tires are more resistant to tearing, chunking, and splitting than rubber, and they can last up to twice as long as rubber when taken care of.

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires often are used for outdoor applications, and are better suited for uneven or rough surface conditions as opposed to press on tires. They have noteworthy traction and higher ground clearance making them ideal for uneven terrain.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This sort of tire is inflated with air, and is designed for very rough surfaces where there is a concern about shock absorption, both for the safety of the forklift and the comfort of the operator. The downside of regular pneumatic tires is that they are subject to punctures, and sometimes they are filled with foam instead of air in order to prevent flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires work best for smooth surface indoor / outdoor heavy duty scenarios. Made from solid rubber and almost entirely puncture proof, they are best used for places with pointy objects, like recycling yards or construction sites.

Non Marking Tires

Solid, solid pneumatic, and pneumatic tires have non-marking options available. These are assembled using hydrated silicas and other additives to prevent leaving floors marred by black marks.

These varieties of tires are often used in retail facilities or other settings where unmarked floors matter. They may also be used in certain industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are important.

There are some drawbacks to using non-marking tires. Firstly, they don’t tend to be as durable as traditional tires and can need to be replaced more often. A second issue is that they are more prone to static electricity buildup, and any lift that has them must be equipped with static abatement technology.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When maintained properly, your forklift tires can decrease energy usage, dramatically improve the comfort of operators, and boost your collective productivity. To talk to a forklift tire specialist, give Raymond West a call today!

Raymond's Reno / Sparks service operation includes all of Western Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Incline Village, Virginia City, Indian Hills, Johnson Lane, Fernley, Fallon, Dayton, Silver Springs, Spanish Springs, Yerington, Genoa and Zephyr Cove.

Raymond West | Reno / Sparks Forklift Dealer

975 Terminal Way
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 356-8383