Can I put pneumatic tires on a cushion tire forklift?
A forklift’s tires are its foundation. The truck’s weight, the weight of the load, plus the weight of the operator all rest on the tires. Beyond carrying weight, tires provide a solid, stable base for the forklift and are the vehicle’s only shock absorption and suspension system.
We're often asked: "Can you put pneumatic tires on a cushion tire forklift?" It is important to understand that forklifts are typically designed for one type of tire only. The axles and tires are specific to a forklift frame and lifting capacity. Our forklift manufacturers build forklifts to operate safely with specific wheels and tires.
You’ll often be able to switch from smooth cushion to traction cushion, or pneumatic to solid pneumatic tires, but it is rare you can go from a cushion tire to a pneumatic tire and vice versa. It is best to verify with your local dealer and your forklift’s manual if you want to go with a different tire type than what is recommended.
And, when it comes time to replace the tires, ensure both sides of the forklift are the same tire type. The front and back tires can differ, but both front tires and both back tires must be the same type.
Why do forklift tires matter so much?
A forklift’s tires are its foundation. The truck’s weight, the weight of the load, plus the weight of the operator all rest on the tires. Beyond carrying weight, tires provide a solid, stable base for the forklift and are the vehicle’s only shock absorption and suspension system.
Forklift tires also effect forklift truck efficiency, safety, and operator comfort.
Efficiency
Forklifts operate more efficiently if the type and tires are correctly matched to the application.
For instance, trucks with smooth cushion tires are designed specifically for use in indoor warehouses and some loading docks. And for good reason. Cushion tire trucks have 7-12% more consumable rubber than traction tires. Although they offer less traction than pneumatics, cushion tires are preferred indoors because they help reduce wear and tear on warehouse floors and smooth the ride for operators. They also last longer in indoor operation so they’re more economical than treaded tires in these applications.
With low rolling resistance, cushion tires are also more energy efficient, providing fuel savings of up to 15% and extending the time between battery charges.
Safety
Making sure you are using the correct tires and that they are in good shape can prevent serious accidents. Tires mismatched or unevenly worn, chunked, or cracked can make a truck susceptible to tip overs since an uneven tire surface means an unstable base. Worn pneumatic tires are susceptible to flats that cause accidents.
Tire inspection should be part of the operator’s pre-operation safety inspection.
Ergonomics
Since forklifts don’t have springs or shock absorbers, the tires and seat are the only cushion the operator has. Uneven, chunked or cracked tires give the operator a rough ride that can lead to back injuries. That kind of injury can mean lost time, lost productivity, and insurance claims.
Save MORE on tires during our annual tire sale
For 48 years Morrison has been saving our customers money on industrial tires during the September Tire Sale. With factory-backed discounts from our manufacturing partner, Maxam, on our full line of industrial tires, there really is no better sale and no better time to buy tires than September.
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