Selecting Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires
Forklift tires contribute a lot to your equipment's safety and handling characteristics, as well as affecting maintenance expenses. The kind of forklift determines to a large extent the type of tire since most forklifts are made with a specific frame that accepts only a particular kind of tire. It helps to know the properties of both cushion and pneumatic tires before selecting a tire.
Instructions
1 Check your forklift owner manual for specifications about tires. Most likely your forklift will function either on cushion tires or pneumatic tires. This would limit your choice to the type of tire wherein the forklift frame is constructed.
2 Make sure you know the particular type of forklift you are using. Electric pallet jack trucks and electric forklift trucks are usually constructed to utilize cushion tires which do not require a lot of friction. Pneumatic tires are generally utilized for forklifts which are powered by liquid propane gas or diesel.
3 Check the type of terrain. Soft cushion tires are made for even terrain while pneumatic tires are best for rough terrain. Cushion tires, if utilized on grounds which are not even, could 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 very rough grounds and potholed surfaces.
4 Make sure you know the space limitations. Forklifts used mainly for indoor applications have to be able to pivot in limited areas. Cushion tires really work better than pneumatic tires in those kinds of environments.
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