Used Cushion Tire Forklift Alberta - Forklift trucks are commonly classified by the kind of work they complete as well as the kind of tire they use. Pneumatic and cushion tires provide the 2 distinct forklift classifications.
It is vital to note that there are benefits and drawbacks to both types of forklift tires; cushion and pneumatic. 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 are comprised of treaded or smooth, solid rubber which is positioned around and affixed to a metal ring or baseband. These kinds of forklift tires are cheaper to make and easier to maintain. Cushion tires are designed for smooth surface applications such as work that takes place mostly indoors or around loading docks. Cushion tires are also better suited to applications in tight spaces. This is because they offer a turning radius that allows for movement around tight corners. 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. Pneumatic tires provide better traction compared to cushion tires; especially on wet surfaces and outdoor locations.
There are many jobs suitable for cushion tire forklifts such as unloading shipments, transporting items to and from the loading areas, order picking, unloading inventory and more.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires, on the other hand, are primarily designed to operate in rougher terrain, with uneven surfaces. These tires have two categorizations:
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. Solid resilient pneumatic forklifts are a better option in areas that may have objects which could puncture a standard air pneumatic, such as junkyards, lumber yards and the like which may have sharp metal objects.
Benefits of Cushion Tire Forklifts
Forklifts that use cushion tires are a wise option for interior and exterior locations that feature smooth surfaces. The majority of forklifts that rely on cushion tires are used mostly indoors with limited outdoor use. Warehousing applications and manufacturing facilities often rely on cushion tire forklifts. 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
Since cushion tire forklifts do not need to house a larger internal combustion engine, they are more compact and easier to maneuver.
2) Lower Clearance
Indoor cushion tire forklifts have lower clearance compared to pneumatic models; allowing the machine to travel easier through doorways and around lights or sprinkler obstacles.
3) Durability
Durability is a key feature with cushion tire forklift models as they are simple to maintain and offer zero to little risk of being punctured.
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
Cushion tire forklifts are more environmentally friendly as they use electricity and produce no harmful emissions, compared to internal combustion engine models.
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. The majority of forklift manufacturers create models to coincide with specific wheels and tires, usually cushion tires or pneumatic tires. Due to their special tire design, it is best to choose the forklift type that will suit the job in terms of forklift tire types.
Workplace Applications
Suitable Work Applications for Cushion Tires
Cushion tire forklifts are usually the best option for many workplace applications. 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.
Sitting closer to the ground, cushion tire forklifts have a tinier frame compared to pneumatic tire forklifts. This compact design facilitates easier clearance through doorways and overhead obstacle avoidance. 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. To combat this issue, the cushion tire forklift can be fitted with traction tires on the front. Tires that offer traction will perform better on wet surfaces, rough terrain, packed gravel and asphalt. These tires are not recommended for travelling on grass or dirt. Traction tires are utilized on the opposite sides, the steer and drive axles.
One of the largest advantages of using a forklift with cushion tires is the smaller turning radius. Their ability to work in compact locations makes cushion tire forklifts excellent for warehousing and manufacturing operations. Locations that rely on narrow aisles will benefit greatly from the smaller cushion tire forklifts and their tight turning capabilities. Cushion tire forklifts are also less expensive and are more readily available than pneumatic tire forklifts.
Suitable Work Applications for Pneumatic Tire Forklifts
Pneumatic tires forklifts have air in them and are better for outdoor use such as in yard work or on gravel. Interior applications may use pneumatic tire forklift models although they will not provide the maneuverability, lower clearance or tighter turning radius. Of course, they are often powered by internal combustion engine so do produce harmful emissions which are not recommended for normal indoor use. With a wider base and longer frame in comparison to cushion tire models, pneumatic tire forklifts are for use mainly outdoors.
The solid pneumatic tire costs more compared to the air pneumatic tire. This is because a solid pneumatic tire is not susceptible to punctures or gouges because they are made of solid rubber and do not have air in them. Outdoor areas including lumber yards and scrap yards that feature copious amounts of metal debris and nails often rely on solid pneumatic tires. 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. Due to their susceptibility for getting gouged or punctured, the work location must be free from sharp debris before driving the air pneumatic tires. Operator fatigue and discomfort can be traced to the bounciness of air-filled tires. Therefore, many air pneumatic tire forklift users prefer to foam fill their tires. This provides a smoother ride for the operator than the one experienced on solid pneumatic tires but also a less bouncy ride than air filled pneumatic tires. Flat tires can be filled with foam to keep them more durable and prevent flats. Filling an air pneumatic tire with foam usually takes approximately 3 days to fill and cure.
Difference in Load Capacity
The load capacity of cushion tire forklifts and pneumatic tire forklifts are about equal. There may be lift limits on certain electric-powered cushion tire models. Pneumatic tire and cushion tire forklifts are available in practically any load capacity. These machines come in different load capacities from under 2000 lbs. to over 200,000 lbs. depending on your application.
Cushion Tire Forklift PDF
