Choosing Between Cushion & Pneumatic Tires
Forklift tires contribute significantly to your machine's safety and handling features, as well as affecting maintenance costs. The type of forklift would determine to a large extent the type of tire as most forklifts are constructed with a specific frame which accepts only a particular type of tire. It helps to understand the properties of both pneumatic and cushion tires before choosing a tire.
Instructions
1 For tire specifications, you must check your forklift owner handbook. Most likely your forklift runs either on cushion tires or pneumatic tires. This will limit your choice to the type of tire for which the forklift frame is built.
2 Check the kind of forklift. Electric pallet jack trucks and electric forklift trucks are usually constructed to use cushion tires which do not require much friction. Pneumatic tires are normally for forklifts which run on diesel or liquid propane gas.
3 Check the kind of terrain. Soft cushion tires are made for even terrain whereas pneumatic tires are suitable for rough grounds. Cushion tires, if utilized on grounds which are uneven, can cause the forklift to get stuck since they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on crushed concrete, gravel and packed stones but not on potholed surfaces and really rough terrain.
4 Check space limitations. Forklifts used mostly for indoor applications should be able to pivot in limited areas. Cushion tires work better than pneumatic tires in those types of environments.
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