Selecting Between Cushion & Pneumatic Tires
Forklift tires contribute significantly to your equipment's handling and safety characteristics, as well as affecting maintenance expenses. The kind of forklift determines to a large extent the type of tire because nearly all forklifts are constructed with a particular frame which accepts just a particular type of tire. It helps to know the properties of both cushion and pneumatic tires before choosing a tire.
Instructions
1 Check your forklift owner manual for specifications concerning tires. Most likely your forklift would function either on cushion tires or pneumatic tires. This will limit your options to the type of tire for which the forklift frame is made.
2 Check the kind of forklift. Electric pallet jack trucks and electric forklift trucks are generally made to use cushion tires that do not require a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are generally for forklifts which function on liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Check the kind of terrain. Soft cushion tires are constructed for even grounds whilst pneumatic tires are suitable for rough grounds. Cushion tires, if used on uneven ground, can cause the forklift to get stuck because they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on gravel, packed stones and crushed concrete but not on very rough grounds and potholed surfaces.
4 Make sure you know the space limitations. Forklifts used mostly for indoor applications should be able to pivot in tight areas. Cushion tires really work better than pneumatic tires in those kinds of conditions.
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