For anyone trying to buy forklift tires online for the first time, they might be wondering: “Which forklift tires work best for my particular needs?” If you’ve worked with forklifts for a little while, you should know that there are fundamentally three different kinds of tires: cushion, solid pneumatic, and air-filled pneumatic. These three will offer all the versatility that you need for your forklift. If you haven’t had to change your forklift’s tires and aren’t yet sure how to differentiate these tires, here’s a quick breakdown:

Cushion

Cushion tires are the thinnest, but they are more durable options when it comes to your forklift. Structurally, they consist of strips of rubber that are pressed onto the wheel, which leaves little risk of flats or puncturing. They also provide better maneuverability when it comes to steering, though this is due to a decreased turning radius. Plus, these tires should only be used indoors or over paved surfaces, since they often leave your forklift closer to the ground, putting it at risk for snags if driven over uneven surfaces.

Solid Pneumatic

Solid pneumatic tires are the most durable and versatile tire you can have on your forklift. They are composed of solid rubber and ride high enough to allow your forklift to travel on indoor and outdoor surfaces without too much trouble. There are only two potential drawbacks to the most common tire on the market: They offer a slightly lower quality ride on paved surfaces and are a little more costly upfront. Still, solid pneumatic tires are such a durable option that you will often have these for many years.

Air-Filled Pneumatic

Similar to solid pneumatic tires, air-filled pneumatic tires can ride on paved and unpaved surfaces. However, they are better suited for outdoor activities over unpaved roads. The reason for this is they are designed with deep treads and materials durable enough to allow you to fulfill the objectives you have for your forklift.

Which Works Best for Me?

The short answer to which is best for you is, “it depends.” While it would be great to have each of these tires to pop onto a forklift as your needs change, the reality is that some forklifts aren’t designed to be compatible with all three options. As a consequence of this, you should make sure that whatever option you choose fits how you’re going to use your forklift and the design of the machine. To find out more about selecting the right forklift tires or find a comprehensive catalog of tires for skid steers online, call the Tires4That team today!

on