Industrial & Forklift Tires

There are different types of forklift tires that can go on a forklift. Within rubber tires, forklifts can take press-on solids (also known as cushion tires), solid pneumatics (also known as solid resilient tires), and standard pneumatic tires. Then there are non-rubber tires made of polyurethane or urethanes.

1. Press-on solid / cushion tires

Press-on, also known as cushion tires, are made of solid rubber molded to a steel band suited for indoor or light outdoor use on smooth surfaces such as warehouse applications.
There are three types of cushion tires: smooth tread, non-marking, and traction tires. Smooth press-on tires work best on indoor warehouse applications for maximum stability and footprint. Non-marking press-on tires are best for warehouse applications that operate in food, textile, and paper industries that require clean floors. Traction press-on tires suit forklifts that operate in moist conditions or are driven on ramps and other variances for the best footprint, stability, and traction.

2. Solid pneumatic / resilient tires

Solid pneumatic tires, also known as solid resilient tires, are much more durable than standard pneumatic tires since they are puncture-proof and eliminate downtime. Solid pneumatic tires are ideal for forklift applications that operate in environments that contain sharp debris such as recycling centers and lumberyards.

3. Pneumatic tires

Standard forklift pneumatic tires are the traditional air-filled tires that can be punctured by sharp debris. Therefore, pneumatic forklift tires are best for outdoor applications and where the work area has minimum sharp debris.

4. Polyurethane tires

Unlike rubber tires that are used extensively on propane and internal combustion types of forklifts, polyurethane tires are limited to electric lift trucks primarily used indoors where the floors are smooth. Since polyurethane tires are typically harder in durometer and hardness, they can carry more weight. However, the hardness of polyurethane tires yields a stiffer ride for operators.

Both poly and rubber forklift tires have their benefits depending on the operation needs and types of applications. Generally, rubber tires are more extensively used on forklifts with propane and internal combustion types while polyurethane tires are mainly used on class II and III electric forklifts.

Learn more in our blog: A side-by-side comparison between rubber forklift tires vs polyurethane tires.

Other than checking on tire wear, there’re also signs that indicate damage on forklift tires for replacement.

For press-on tires, a general rule is to identify tire wear by measuring its current width (across the tire, not up and down). If the current width is more than two inches lower than the original width, which can be found on the sidewall of the tire, then it’s time to replace the tire.

Another method to identify press-on tires for replacement is looking at the lettering. If the tire is worn to the top of the lettering, consider a replacement.

For standard pneumatic forklift tires, once the tire’s tread has worn to the point where it’s becoming invisible or you can see bald spots on the tire, consider a replacement.

For solid pneumatic tires, inspect the wear band and if it’s exposed, it’s time to replace your resilient forklift tires.

Learn more in our blog about how to identify damaged forklift tires and what to do about them.

The most important aspect to extend tire life is conducting good operating practices. By following some simple guidelines, forklift tires can have a longer runtime. Visit our resource center for a guide for safer forklift operation practices.

1. Avoid excessive speed and quick starts and stops
2. Avoid spinning or skidding the tires
3. Avoid overloading the forklift
4. Avoid running over sharp debris

For pneumatic tires, check the air pressure regularly as air in the tire fluctuates with increasing and decreasing temperatures. Underinflated tires don’t provide the traction required for applications while overinflated tires can cause a blowout. You can find the recommended PSI on the sidewall of the tire.