Solid industrial forklift tires make for a solid foundation for your forklift. One forklift can use multiple kinds of tires, so it can easily become confusing when trying to choose the best kind for your machine. Having good tires, though, is essential for safe driving.

Altus Lift trucks LLC can provide you with forklift tires for all types of equipment, including:

• Electric Rider Trucks • Narrow Aisle Trucks • Swing Reach • Very Narrow Aisle • Motorized Pallet Jacks • Cushion Tire Trucks • Pneumatic Tire Trucks

As well as material handling equipment tires from manufacturers such as:

Raymond, Hyster, Clark, Komatsu, Yale, and more.

Contact us today or request a quote to buy the most suitable tires for your forklift.

To better help our customers, we have provided this guide to help in choosing the right tires.

Things to Consider When Buying Tires for Your Forklift

Certain points should be kept in mind while choosing forklift tires.

• Available Fittings:

There are two types of fittings available for tires. A forklift operator needs to choose according to his or her needs.

1. Press-On Tires are straightforward to fit, but are less durable on difficult terrain.
2. Standard Tires are just like simple car tires.

• Size and Load:

Forklift tires are available in various sizes. Some tires are capable of working with heavy loads, while other are not. Before selecting the tire size for your forklift, you should first calculate the required load that each wheel will carry. It’s generally recommended to choose a tire that carries the lowest inflation pressure.

• Working Time:

It’s important to know the length of your work operation before purchasing tires. Some types are durable for long periods of time; others are damaged relatively quickly.

• Environment:

Forklifts made for indoor work operations require a different type of tire than those for outdoor work.

• Used or New Tires:

Certain risks are associated with buying used tires. However, they are cheap to purchase. Used tires can sometimes be found in good condition, but be aware that there may be some hidden faults.

New tires are more expensive, but are durable and carry no risks.

Types of Forklift Tires:

If you are going to buy forklift tires, it is crucial for you to know the basic kinds available to you. The most used types are: pneumatic, poly, and solid rubber. However, other kinds of tires may be used in industrial work operations, handling, and moving equipment.

Pneumatic Tires

Structure:

While normal tires are filled with air, these heavy-duty application tires are instead filled with liquid polyurethane. This increases the life of forklift due to the protection added to it.

Pros:

• Allows for heavy load capacity.
• Increases the life of forklift due to their solid features.
• Suitable for all outdoor heavy applications.
• Can also be used for indoor applications.
• Durable and suited for long-lasting work.
• Provides a more comfortable drive.
• Made of strong, thick rubber and deep tread.

Cons:

• Require a large area in order to turn.
• A more expensive option

Solid Rubber Tires

Structure:

Solid rubber tires are sometimes called “cushion tires” or “puncture-proof tires”. They look similar to pneumatic, but are made of solid rubber – no air or liquids. Just like pneumatic tires, solid rubber tires carry many advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Suitable for indoor, as well as outdoor, applications.
• The turning radius of solid rubber tires is less than pneumatic tires.
• Due to having no air inside of them, they never pop or deflate.
• A very durable choice.

Cons:

• Not good to use in an outside environment for long periods of time or regular work.
• Unlike pneumatic tires, these do not help to increase the life span of the forklift.
• Require more protection compare to pneumatic.
• Not suitable for very heavy outdoor forklifts.

Polyurethane Tires

Also called poly for short.

Structure:

Generally best suited for light-weight applications, these tires can be used on electric forklifts and lift trucks. They are simple and are categorized as press-on tires. Usually, they are found with reach trucks and walkie trucks.

Pros:

• An excellent turning radius – one of the most attractive advantages.
• Easy to install.
• Suitable for indoor work application.
• A forklift with poly tires is usually an electric forklift, and therefore can load more weight. These tires can help in balancing the weight of the batteries.

Cons:

• Not suitable for outdoor work, even light-weight application.

Non-Marking Tires:

While not widely known for forklifts, these tires are designed specifically to prevent leaving marks on the floor.

Applications:

Non-marking tires are usually used in grocery stores or other indoor environments where leaving marks on the floor is a serious issue. These tires have a large disadvantage in that the carbon is removed from them, making their life span much shorter than normal.

Foam-Fill Tires:

Foam-fill tires have the effect of cushion tires in that they’re resistant to being punctured. These can be filled by yourself as well.

Caring for Tires

Whatever kind of tire you choose, it will require care and proper usage. Below are some important points that you should always keep in mind after you have gotten a suitable tire for your forklift.

• Check the air pressure from time to time. Never let the air pressure get low.
• Drive carefully, and only with the right tires at the right place.
• Store tires correctly when not in use.
• Adopt good driving habits and avoid quick spinning, sudden breaking, and sudden starting to increase the lifespan of the tires.
• Visit a forklift service and maintenance company for regular check-ups of your forklift tires.

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