Used Cushion Tire Forklift Iowa - Most forklifts are classified by the kind of work they do and some are classified by their type of tires. There are two main kinds of tire classification for forklifts, pneumatic and cushion tire.
It is vital to note that there are benefits and drawbacks to both types of forklift tires; cushion and pneumatic. The drawbacks and benefits of cushion tire models can be only compared when the drawbacks and benefits of the pneumatic tires are also discussed.
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 types of forklift tires are easier to maintain and less expensive to manufacture. This type of tire is made to work on smooth surfaces such as indoor concrete floors and 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. Forklifts that use cushion tires can be lower to the ground compared to pneumatic tire models and the increase in vertical clearance is welcome for many applications. It is important to note that cushion tires do not offer as much traction compared to pneumatic models and this is noticeable on wet locations and outdoor surfaces.
Cushion tires forklifts are commonly used for organizing inventory, moving items to and from different loading docks, unloading shipments and 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.
Pneumatic tire forklifts are good options for work that takes place outdoors on unpaved ground. 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
Cushion tire forklifts can be used inside and outside on smooth surfaces. The majority of forklifts that rely on cushion tires are used mostly indoors with limited outdoor use. Cushion tire forklifts are commonly used in warehouses and manufacturing plants. Cushion tire models excel in tight locations including narrow aisles and accessing high shelves.
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
Forklifts built for indoor use with cushion tires generally have a lower clearance than pneumatic tire equipment, allowing the forklift to more easily navigate doorways and other obstacles such as lights and sprinkler systems.
3) Durability
Cushion tires for forklifts are durable, easy to maintain and have little to no risk of puncture.
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
Powered by electricity instead of relying on an internal combustion engine enables cushion tire forklifts to make zero dangerous emissions.
Forklift Tire Choice
The forklift frame typically depicts whether a cushion tire or a pneumatic tire will be utilized. 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 usually the best option for many workplace applications. If there is moderate use of the forklift outside on smooth surfaces and the majority of the lifting, loading and transporting will be occurring inside on smooth floors, a cushion tire model is an excellent tool.
Forklifts fitted with cushion tires often have a smaller frame and sit much lower to the ground than forklifts fitted with pneumatic tires. 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. One solution to this problem is to fit the cushion tire forklift with traction tires on the front of their forklifts. Traction based tires will function in rough terrain environments that have wet surfaces, 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.
The smaller turning radius on the cushion tire forklifts is one of their main advantages. 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
Outdoor applications working on gravel benefit from pneumatic tire forklift models thanks to the air in their tires. Interior applications may use pneumatic tire forklift models although they will not provide the maneuverability, lower clearance or tighter 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.
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. Solid pneumatic tires are commonly used in lumber and scrap yards where there are tons of sharp, metal debris including nails. Air-filled pneumatic tires work well on gravel and asphalt exterior surfaces. The main issue with air pneumatic tires is their ability to become gouged or punctured. Due to their susceptibility for getting gouged or punctured, the work location must be free from sharp debris before driving the air pneumatic tires. Air tires are also known to give a bouncy ride, contributing to operator discomfort and fatigue. Therefore, many air pneumatic tire forklift users prefer to foam fill their tires. Much less bouncy than air-filled pneumatic tires, the solid pneumatic forklift tires provide the operator with a smoother ride. Foam filling is commonly used for flat tire prevention. Filling an air pneumatic tire with foam usually takes approximately 3 days to fill and cure.
Difference in Load Capacity
Both cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts offer similar load capacities. Some electric powered cushion tire forklifts do have lift limits. Pneumatic tire and cushion tire forklifts are available in practically any load capacity. Load capacities come in a wide range - from less than 2,000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds.
Cushion Tire Forklift PDF
