Choosing Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires
Considerably contributing to the handling and safety of the machinery are forklift tires. They also affect the maintenance expenses. The kind of forklift determines to a large extent the type of tire as nearly all forklifts are made with a particular frame which accepts just a particular type of tire. It helps to know the properties of both pneumatic and cushion tires before choosing a tire.
Instructions
1 Check your forklift owner guidebook for specifications regarding tires. Most likely your forklift runs either on pneumatic tires or cushion tires. This will limit your options to the kind of tire wherein the forklift frame is built.
2 Make certain you know the particular kind of forklift you are using. Electric forklift trucks and electric pallet jack trucks are generally built to utilize cushion tires which do not require much friction. Pneumatic tires are generally for forklifts that are powered by diesel or liquid propane gas.
3 Check the kind of terrain. Soft cushion tires are constructed for even grounds while pneumatic tires are best for rough terrain. Cushion tires, if used on grounds which are not even, can cause the forklift to get stuck as they are set lower. Pneumatic tires perform well on crushed concrete, gravel and packed stones but not on potholed surfaces and really rough grounds.
4 Check space limitations. Forklifts used mainly indoors should be able to pivot in limited spaces. Cushion tires truly work better than pneumatic tires in those kinds of conditions.
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