Today we're going to answer all of your questions about forklift pneumatic tires.
We have over 40 years in the material handling industry and we would love to share our expertise and experience with you.
We'll take a closer look at pneumatic tires, giving you the answers you need to discover whether you should choose pneumatic tires for your your next forklift purchase. So, let's get going.
Get all of your questions answered about pneumatic tires
FAQ's for Pneumatic Tires
If you are in the market for a new forklift and are wondering if you should choose one with pneumatic tires, keep reading and we'll answer all of the most frequently asked questions about pneumatic tires to help you make the right choice.
What Are Pneumatic Tires?
Pneumatic tires are very similar to car tires. They have a very thick tread that will give you great traction over uneven or loose surfaces. There are basically 2 types of pneumatic tires: solid pneumatic tires and air-filled pneumatic tires. Air-filled pneumatic tires are filled with either air or foam.
2. What Is the Difference Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires?
The main difference between pneumatic and cushion tires is the tread. Cushion tires are smooth while pneumatic tires have a tread. Cushion tires are made of solid rubber and are usually much smaller than pneumatic tires.
Cushion tires give you a lower centre of gravity and they won't mark your warehouse flooring, so they are better for inside applications, whereas pneumatic tires are better for outdoors.
Forklift with Cushion Tires
Forklift with pneumatic tires
3. Do Pneumatic Tires Go Flat?
Just like your car tire, a pneumatic forklift tire that is filled with air can go flat if it gets punctured by a sharp object like a nail. For this reason, you may want to invest in solid pneumatic tires that are filled with foam instead of air or are made with solid rubber wrapped around a steel band.
Solid pneumatic tires are puncture-resistant and are a great choice if you are using your forklift on surfaces with lots of sharp objects like construction sites or lumber yards.
4. Are Pneumatic Tires Good?
Pneumatic tires are good if you are using them for the right type of application. They are more rugged and will grip better than cushion tires so they are your best choice for outdoor applications. They also tend to last longer than cushion tires.
Pneumatic tires are more rugged and will usually last longer than cushion tires
5. Can you put pneumatic tires on any forklift?
You should only put pneumatic tires on forklifts that are designed for pneumatic tires. Your forklift frame, axle, and lifting capacity is designed with a specific type of tire in mind. Putting pneumatic tires on a cushion forklift, for example, could cause a safety hazard.
If you are unsure whether or not your forklift can handle pneumatic tires, check with the manufacturer.
6. Can You Fill Air Pneumatic Tires with Foam?
Foam will better protect your pneumatic tires from punctures in environments where sharp objects are present. Depending on your tires, you may be able to fill them with foam instead of air. The following video shows you how it is done.
Discover how pneumatic tires are filled with foam
Once your tires have been filled with foam, they usually take two to three days to cure. Foam-filled tires can often be used with your existing wheels as well. You should, however, follow the manufacturer's instructions and have them filled by a professional local dealer.
7. What is the difference between Air pneumatic and solid pneumatic tires?
An air-filled pneumatic tire has an airtight inner core filled with pressurized air and covered by a tread that is usually reinforced with steel belting or other materials.
The inside pressure of the tire is greater than the outside air pressure, which means that the tire will stay inflated even with the heavy weight of the vehicle pressing down on it.
You can easily recognize an air-filled pneumatic tire because they will have a valve where you can fill them with air. Cushion and solid pneumatic tires don't have a valve.
Solid pneumatic tires, on the other hand, are made of solid rubber or sometimes filled with foam instead of air. This makes them more puncture-proof and durable than air filled tires, but they don't give you as smooth of a ride.
Solid pneumatic tires are more puncture-proof than air-filled ones
8. Is it easy to get the right air pressure for pneumatic tires When you are inflating them?
It can be quite difficult to get the proper tire pressure you need for your application when you are inflating your pneumatic tires. Variations in air pressure can greatly affect your tire's performance and it is quite tricky to achieve the perfect pressure.
9. Which type of forklift tire costs more: Cushion of Pneumatic?
Pneumatic tires are usually larger than cushion tires and are generally slightly more expensive to purchase. However, they are usually worth the extra investment because they are more durable and tend to last longer.
Because pneumatic tires give your forklift a smoother ride, they can also make your forklift last longer as the different components are not being shaken around as much.
pneumatic tires are larger and more expensive than cushion
10. Will Different Temperatures Affect the performance of pneumatic tires?
If your pneumatic tires are filled with air, then a change in temperature could affect their performance. Hotter temperatures will cause the air inside your tires to expand whereas colder temperatures will cause them to deflate.
As a result, you can experience poorer handling. This is because If your tires deflate, they will flatten slightly meaning that more tread will be in contact with the road.
11. Can you use pneumatic tires indoors?
Even though pneumatic tires are used outside more often, you can use them inside, especially if you want extra comfort for your operators.
However, if you are working in tighter spaces and require greater maneuverability, you may want to choose a cushion tire. Pneumatic tires are larger and therefore have a larger turning radius than smaller cushion tires.
Pneumatic tires can be used inside but they have a larger turning radius
Trust Wayco for Both Pneumatic and Cushion Forklift Purchases
If you are looking for top-quality forklifts, contact Wayco. We sell the best pneumatic and cushion tire forklifts you can buy and our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose the perfect model that will best suit your particular applications.
We will be happy to answer all of your questions and our service department can make sure that your forklifts are always in top working condition. Contact Wayco today for all of your forklift needs.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
““I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service. They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.””
