Choosing Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires
Forklift tires contribute a lot to your equipment's handling and safety features, as well as affecting maintenance expenses. The type of forklift would determine to a large extent the type of tire since nearly all forklifts are made with a particular frame which accepts just a specific type of tire. It helps to know the properties of both cushion and pneumatic tires prior to selecting a tire.
Instructions
1 For tire specifications, you must check your forklift owner manual. Most likely your forklift would function either on pneumatic tires or cushion tires. This would limit your choice to the kind of tire wherein the forklift frame is built.
2 Check the kind of forklift. Electric forklift trucks and electric pallet jack trucks are generally built to use cushion tires which do not need a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are generally used for forklifts that function on liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Check the type of terrain. Soft cushion tires are constructed for even grounds whereas pneumatic tires are best for rough grounds. Cushion tires, if used on grounds that are not even, could cause the forklift to get stuck since they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on gravel, packed stones and crushed concrete but not on potholed surfaces and really rough grounds.
4 Make sure you know the space limitations. Forklifts utilized mostly indoors should be able to turn in tight spaces. Cushion tires work better than pneumatic tires in those types of environments.
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