Forklift Tires: Pneumatic or Cushion?

If you’re in the forklift industry, you’ve probably heard the terms pneumatic, cushion and rough terrain. While most people know that rough terrain forklifts are usually used outdoors in rough terrains, as the name suggests, there are still some questions on the applications and differences between cushion and pneumatic forklift tires. To decide what kind of tires you should choose, you need to know the difference between the two and consider several key factors.

Selecting the right tires for your new or used forklift has a significant impact on efficiency, safety and output. The first step to finding the right tire is to find out if your forklift gives you the option to change tires. Most forklifts are designed in such a way that the frames only accept a specific type of tire, which means they’re designed for specific applications. This fact makes it even more important to choose the right tire based on your application.

Pneumatic Forklift Tires

Some pneumatic forklift tires have air in them like car tires. They’re longer and wider than cushion tires, making them more suitable for outdoor applications such as working in gravel conditions or for yard work. However, they can still be used indoors.

There are two types of pneumatic tires available – solid and air. Solid pneumatic tires are made of solid rubber. Air pneumatic tires, on the other hand, are filled with air. Solid pneumatics are more expensive than air pneumatics because they’re made of 100% rubber, which makes them strong and puncture proof by design. Ideal applications are lumber yards, scrap yards, construction sites where dirt, gravel and nails are common. Air pneumatics are a great choice for asphalt conditions with smooth operating surfaces and yards. Being composed of air makes air pneumatic tires cheaper, although they risk the potential of being punctured.

Cushion Forklift Tires

Like solid pneumatic tires, cushion forklift tires are made from solid smooth rubber with the difference being fitted around a metal band. Cushion tire forklifts are much lower to the ground as they have a smaller chassis than a pneumatic. They generally have great traction on smooth surfaces and are long-lasting with an indoors application. Cushion tires have a smaller turning radius, making them an ideal choice for smaller facilities or warehouses with space constraints. They’re also less expensive than pneumatic tires.
 
Before you settle on cushion or pneumatic tires for your forklift, identify where and what type of work your forklift will perform, along with the lift capacity. While cushion forklift tires are perfect for indoor lifting, pneumatic forklift tires are designed for outdoor operation. For answers to all your questions on the best forklift tire option for you, reach out to our forklift experts.