Used Cushion Tire Forklift Indiana - While forklift trucks are often classified by the type of work they perform under most circumstances, forklift trucks can also be classified by the type of tire they are fitted with. Pneumatic and cushion tires provide the 2 distinct forklift classifications.
When considering the benefits and drawbacks of cushion tires in forklift uses, it is important to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the other available forklift tire option: the pneumatic tire. The cushion tire benefits and drawbacks can only be understood in the context of what the pneumatic tire offers in terms of forklift operation.
Forklift Tire Classifications
Cushion Tires
Cushion tires feature solid rubber that is either smooth or treaded and fixed or positioned around a baseband or metal ring. These types of forklift tires are easier to maintain and less expensive to manufacture. Cushion tires are designed for smooth surface applications such as work that takes place mostly indoors or around loading docks. These tires are designed to maneuver well within tight locations, due to their specific turning radius. Cushion tires enable the forklift to be situated closer to the ground, increasing the vertical clearance in comparison to other models that rely on pneumatic tires. However, cushion tires do not provide as much traction as pneumatic tires. This is especially true for outdoor areas and wet surfaces.
Cushion tire forklifts are used for a wide range of applications, including order picking, unloading shipments, organizing inventory, transporting to and from a loading dock and other similar applications.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires are mainly utilized on uneven surfaces and rougher terrain. These tires fall into two categories: standard air pneumatic or solid resilient pneumatic.
The difference between these two pneumatic categories is that the first is made entirely of rubber, while the latter is a layered rubber, filled with air.
For locations with uneven surfaces and unpaved ground, pneumatic tire forklifts are prime choices. Locations that have sharp debris or objects that could puncture a standard air pneumatic tires such as junkyards or lumber yards will benefit from solid resilient pneumatic forklift tires.
Benefits of Cushion Tire Forklifts
Forklifts fitted with cushion tires are a good option for operation on smooth surfaces, both indoor and outdoor. The forklift designed for use with cushion tires, is intended to be used mostly indoors, with some limited outdoor use. They are often designed for use in areas such as manufacturing plants and warehouses. Warehousing and narrow aisles and tight locations all rely on the benefits of cushion tire forklifts.
Some benefits of using a cushion tire forklift over a pneumatic tire forklift are:
1) Maneuverability
Maneuverability is one of the key pneumatic tire forklift benefits since these models do not require a larger frame to facilitate a bigger internal combustion engine.
2) Lower Clearance
Indoor forklift models that use cushion tires feature lower clearance compared to pneumatic tire models. This enables the machine to travel through doors and navigate obstacles such as sprinkler systems ad lights much easier.
3) Durability
With little to no risk of a tire puncture, cushion forklift models are easy to maintain and ultra-durable.
4) Quiet
Most cushion tire forklift models use a fuel cell or battery as opposed to an internal combustion engine and are much quieter compared to their diesel or propane counterparts.
5) Environmentally Friendly
Again, because most cushion tire forklifts are powered by electricity, rather than an internal combustion engine, cushion tire forklifts produce no harmful emissions.
Forklift Tire Choice
The majority of forklift frames specify either a pneumatic tire or a cushion tire. Tires and axles are specific to the lifting capacity and the machine’s frame. Forklift manufacturers create models that safely operate with certain tires and wheels, typically pneumatic tires or cushion tires. Instead of trying to modify the forklift by picking the correct tire for a particular application, it is wiser to choose the forklift that will best suit the job at hand.
Workplace Applications
Suitable Work Applications for Cushion Tires
Cushion tire forklifts are popular for a variety of job sites. If most of the transporting, lifting loads and placement happens inside or with limited outdoor use on smooth surfaces, cushion tire forklifts are your best choice.
Cushion tire forklifts typically feature a smaller frame and sit much lower to the ground compared to pneumatic tire models. Cushion tire models can fit through doorways easier and avoid overhead obstacles. It is important to note that cushion tire forklifts showcase less ground clearance and the machine may get caught up on exterior obstacles if the ground is uneven. One solution is to outfit traction tires on the front of the cushion tire forklift. Tires that offer traction will perform better on wet surfaces, rough terrain, packed gravel and asphalt. Traction tires are not used on dirt or grass locations and need to be installed on opposite sides, the drive and steer axles.
One of the top advantages of the cushion forklifts is their tight turning radius. Their ability to work in compact locations makes cushion tire forklifts excellent for warehousing and manufacturing operations. Areas that are designed with narrow aisles such as warehouse facilities will enjoy the tighter turning radius offered with cushion tire forklift models. Cushion tire forklifts are more cost-effective and available compared to pneumatic tire models.
Suitable Work Applications for Pneumatic Tire Forklifts
Since pneumatic tires contain air, these forklifts are better suited for exterior applications. Pneumatic tires can also be used inside but do not provide the advantages of low clearance, maneuverability or small turning radius. Pneumatic tire forklifts operate with an internal combustion engine and these harmful emissions are dangerous for use indoors. With a wider base and longer frame in comparison to cushion tire models, pneumatic tire forklifts are for use mainly outdoors.
Of the two types of pneumatic tires, the solid pneumatic tire is more expensive than the air pneumatic tire. The solid pneumatic tire is comprised of solid rubber without any air inside, making this type more resilient against gouges or punctures. Solid pneumatic tires are commonly used in lumber and scrap yards where there are tons of sharp, metal debris including nails. Similar to solid pneumatics, air pneumatics work well outdoors on asphalt, in gravel and in yards. However, air pneumatic tires are susceptible to being punctured or gouged. Because of this, it is necessary to make sure the work area is free of any sharp objects before using forklift fitted with air pneumatic tires at that site. Air tires are also known to give a bouncy ride, contributing to operator discomfort and fatigue. It is possible to foam fill the pneumatic forklift tires for a smoother ride. The foam filling option creates a more even ride compared to the solid pneumatic tires or the bounciness of the air-filled pneumatic tires. Foam filling is also used to help prevent flat tires. It is necessary to plan for enough time when foam filling an air pneumatic tire as it can take up to 3 days to fill and cure properly.
Difference in Load Capacity
The load capacity of cushion tire forklifts and pneumatic tire forklifts are about equal. Some electric powered cushion tire forklifts do have lift limits. There are numerous forklifts available and a variety of pneumatic and cushion tire models can be found in a variety of load capacities. There are numerous load capacities ranging from less than 2000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds.
Cushion Tire Forklift PDF
