Choosing Between Cushion & Pneumatic Tires
Forklift tires contribute a lot to your equipment's safety and handling characteristics, as well as affecting maintenance costs. The kind of forklift determines to a large extent the type of tire as the majority of forklifts are constructed with a particular frame that accepts only a particular type of tire. It helps to understand the properties of both pneumatic and cushion tires before selecting a tire.
Instructions
1 Check your forklift owner manual for specifications concerning tires. Most likely your forklift will run either on cushion tires or pneumatic tires. This will limit your choice to the kind of tire wherein the forklift frame is constructed.
2 Make sure you know the particular type of forklift you are utilizing. Electric pallet jack trucks and electric forklift trucks are usually built to use cushion tires which do not need a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are normally used for forklifts that are powered by liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Make sure you know what type of terrain you will be using the forklift on. Soft cushion tires are constructed for even grounds whilst pneumatic tires are best for rough terrain. Cushion tires, if used on surfaces which are uneven, can cause the forklift to get stuck as they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on packed stones, crushed concrete and gravel but not on very rough grounds and potholed surfaces.
4 Inspect space limitations. Forklifts used mainly indoors should be able to turn in limited areas. Cushion tires truly work better than pneumatic tires in those types of conditions.
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