Selecting Between Cushion & Pneumatic Tires
Significantly contributing to the handling and safety of the machine are forklift tires. They also impact the maintenance costs. The kind of forklift determines to a large extent the type of tire as nearly all forklifts are constructed with a specific frame that accepts only a specific type of tire. It helps to understand the properties of both pneumatic and cushion tires before selecting a tire.
Instructions
1 For tire specifications, you should check your forklift owner manual. Most likely your forklift runs either on cushion tires or pneumatic tires. This would limit your options to the kind of tire wherein the forklift frame is made.
2 Check the type of forklift. Electric pallet jack trucks and electric forklift trucks usually are built to use cushion tires which do not require a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are generally used for forklifts which run on liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Make sure you know what type of ground you would be utilizing the forklift on. Soft cushion tires are constructed for even grounds whereas pneumatic tires are suitable for rough terrain. Cushion tires, if utilized on uneven ground, could cause the forklift to get stuck as they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on gravel, packed stones and crushed concrete but not on potholed surfaces and really rough terrain.
4 Make sure you know the space limitations. Forklifts used mainly indoors need to be able to pivot in tight spaces. Cushion tires work better than pneumatic tires in those types of conditions.
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