Lift trucks come in many different shapes and sizes, and each type of forklift uses a unique set of tires. Generally, tires are classified as cushion or pneumatic, although distinctions extist within those options. Pneumatic tire and cushion tire lift trucks have differing frames, which makes them not interchangeable.

Despire the fact that your tires are tough and sturdy, they do need to be changed out every now and then. Raymond West has tires for all types of forklifts at highly favorable prices.

Cushion Tires

At times referred to as Press On Tires, this variety of tire is most often used inside, and at times outside on flat surfaces. Press on tires have a shorter diameter compared to different varieties of lift truck tires, and thus have a smaller turning radius. This makes them best for confined circumstances like warehouse aisles. Putting a press on tire on a forklift wheel requires the use of a hydraulic press.

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

Rubber Cushion Tires: Rubber cushion tires are used indoors or on even surfaces outdoors like concrete or asphalt. They are constructed with solid rubber, shaped to fit around a steel band. This type of tire can come smooth or with treading. Frequently the front tires will be treaded while the rear wheels used for steering lack treading.

Polyurethane Cushion Tires: Solid poly tires are able to support heavier loads than rubber tires, and they are ideal for narrow aisle applications, order pickers and other warehouse duties. Lightweight tires like these are more resistant to chunking, splitting and tearing than rubber, and they can survive up to twice as long as rubber when properly maintained.

Pneumatic Tires

Solid pneumatic and pneumatic tires are commonly used for outside applications, and are better suited for rough or uneven surface conditions compared to press on tires. They have superb traction and taller ground clearance which makes them suited for rougher terrain.

Regular Pneumatic Tires: This kind of tire is inflated with air, and is designed for rougher surfaces where shock absorption is a concern, for both the lift truck’s longevity and the operator’s comfort. The downside of regular pneumatic tires is that they are in danger of puncture, and they are sometimes filled with foam to reduce flats.

Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic tires work best for flat surface inside and outside heavy duty situations. Made from solid rubber and almost entirely puncture resistant, they work best for terrain with sharp objects, like construction sites or recycling yards.

Non Marking Tires

Solid, solid pneumatic, and pneumatic tires have non-marking options available. These are constructed using hydrated silicas and other additives to avoid leaving black marks on floors.

These sorts of tires are commonly used in retail facilities or any areas where clean floors are of concern. They are likewise used in a selection of industrial or food processing plants where cleanliness and dust reduction are factors.

There are a few detractors to using non-marking tires. Firstly, sometimes they don’t have the durability of traditional tires and will need to be replaced more often. A second problem is that they experience static electricity buildup, and any lift truck using them has to be equipped with static remediation technology.

Forklift Tires Near Me

When maintained properly, your forklift tires can decrease energy consumption, significantly improve operator comfort, and enhance your collective efficiency. To speak with a forklift tire advisor, call Raymond West today!

Raymond West's Spokane branch services Spokane, Airway Heights, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Coeur d'Alene, Medical Lake, Cheney, Pullman, Moscow, Moses Lake, Yakima, Wenatchee, Lewiston, Clarkston, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Walla Walla and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Spokane Forklift Dealer

11002 E Montgomery Dr #100
Spokane, WA 99206
(509) 728-6000