How To Choose The Right Forklift Tyres

13/10/2017 - Big Tyres

When you visit a forklift manufacturer's website and look at the product offerings, you will find some trucks classified by the type of tyres they use. Forklift tyre types are integral in the design of the machines and the how they can be used. There are four basic types of forklift tyres,

Pneumatic Tyres

Pneumatic forklift tyres work on the principle as most other tyres: most of the weight is carried by the air at high pressure. Compared to other tyres however, forklift tyres are made from very thick rubber and have very deep treads to improve stability and tyre service life. A pneumatic forklift tyre extends the useful life of the forklift because of the suspension and flexibility that the air provides. This is the primary tyre for use in heavy duty, rough-terrain outdoor applications.

Almost all pneumatic forklift tyres are Crossply construction, but Radial forklift tyres are made in the larger sizes for applications that require an extremely high carrying capacity. Pneumatic forklift tyres require inner tubes and flaps due to the multi-part construction of forklift wheels, but most forklift tyre manufacturers include these with the tyre. The main downside of pneumatic tyres is that they are vulnerable to punctures: one way around this is Polyurethane Foam Filling which replaces the air with a puncture-proof compound.

Solid Rubber Tyres

A solid rubber forklift tyre is very similar in shape to a pneumatic tyre, but without the cushion and flexibility that the air provides. This means that solid tyres have lower deflection, resulting in better stability at the cost of suspension. For this reason solid tyres are favoured in flat environments, whereas pneumatic tyres would be chosen for rougher terrain. Solid tyres are of course immune to punctures and will last a very long time.

Solid tyres come in two fitment types: Standard and Quick. Standard fitment tyres are the same shape as pneumatic tyres and, like a pneumatic tyre, they require locking rings to hold them in place on the rim. Standard fitment tyres can often be fitted or removed without a tyre press, but this can sometimes be hard work! Quick fitment tyres, also known as Click, Lock, Lip, Limpet, Swift or Easy fit, instead have a special lip on the outside edge which removes the need for a locking ring or advance band. This means that Quick fit tyres can be put on or taken off very easily with a tyre press.

Press-on Bands

Press-on Bands, also known as Press-on Solid Tyres, is a rubber tyre built around a solid metal band. As the name suggests these tyres will always need a hydraulic tyre press to fit to or remove from the wheel. Press-on bands are very durable and have a very flat shape so that they wear evenly and safely. Press-on bands provide excellent stability and extremely high carrying capacity, but offer even less suspension than a regular solid tyre. Press-on bands require special rims, and are never interchangeable with normal solid or pneumatic tyres.

Polyurethane Tyres

The polyurethane forklift tyre is essentially a press-on band made of polyurethane instead of rubber. It is a lightweight option that provides good traction with low rolling resistance. These are tyres most often found on electric, indoor use forklifts. They can carry more weight and this is a consideration in balancing the weight of batteries. Like a press-on band, polyurethane tyres will require a tyre press to fit or remove.

The Right Forklift Tyre for the Job

The specific application (and location) will determine which forklift tyre is best for the job. However, many forklifts are designed for specific tyre types and their use is not interchangeable. The table above indicates some of the trade-offs. Outdoor forklifts involved in heavy duty use require the traction and height of pneumatic tyres. On the other hand, smaller electric forklifts that are used in narrow aisle applications will use the polyurethane tyres for small turning radius needs and smooth rolling traction.

For more information and our complete range of forklift tyres, please see our Forklift & Materials Handling Tyres page.

While there is a wide crossover between forklifts, tyres and uses, the extremes are clear. For rugged outdoor applications, only pneumatic tyres are a good option. For indoor, narrow aisle warehouses, the polyurethane on an electric truck will generally be the best choice. If you are looking for further help and advice on the best tyres for your application, then please Contact Us .