Selecting Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires
Significantly contributing to the safety and handling of the equipment are forklift tires. They also affect the maintenance expenses. The kind of forklift would determine to a large extent the kind of tire since most forklifts are constructed with a specific frame which accepts only a specific kind of tire. It helps to know the properties of both cushion and pneumatic tires before selecting a tire.
Instructions
1 For tire specifications, you must check your forklift owner guidebook. Most likely your forklift runs either on pneumatic tires or cushion tires. This would limit your options to the kind of tire wherein the forklift frame is built.
2 Check the type of forklift. Electric forklift trucks and electric pallet jack trucks are generally constructed to use cushion tires that do not require a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are usually for forklifts that function on liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Make certain you know what type of terrain you will be using the forklift on. Soft cushion tires are made for even grounds whereas pneumatic tires are suitable for rough grounds. Cushion tires, if used on uneven surface, can 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 Check space limitations. Forklifts utilized mainly for indoor applications have to be able to turn in tight areas. Cushion tires truly work better than pneumatic tires in those kinds of situations.
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