Used Cushion Tire Forklift Berkeley - Most forklifts are classified by the kind of work they do and some are classified by their type of tires. 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 benefits and potential drawbacks of the cushion tire models can only be compared when the pneumatic benefits and drawbacks are equally 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. These tires are designed to maneuver well within tight locations, due to their specific turning radius. 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 have two categorizations as either solid resilient pneumatic or standard air pneumatic. They are popular for rough terrain applications and uneven surfaces.
The main difference with these categories is that the standard air pneumatic tires consist of a layered rubber design filled with air and the solid resilient pneumatic type is made completely out of rubber.
For locations with uneven surfaces and unpaved ground, pneumatic tire forklifts are prime choices. The solid resilient pneumatic forklift tires are best used in areas such as lumber yards or junkyards and construction sites where there may be sharp metal items on the ground which could puncture the 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 type of forklift that utilizes cushion tires are for mainly inside applications with some limited outside 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
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
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
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
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. The forklifts’ lifting capacity and frame are specific to the axles and tires in the design. Forklift manufacturers create models that safely operate with certain tires and wheels, typically pneumatic tires or cushion 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 popular for a variety of job sites. If the majority of the load lifting, transporting and placing will occur indoors or with only moderate outdoor usage on smooth surfaces, then cushion tires are likely the best option.
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. Although, cushion tire forklifts offer less ground clearance, this can cause damage to outdoor obstacles when the surface is uneven or unclear. 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. However, it is still not recommended to drive on dirt or grass and it must be noted that the same type of tire must be used on the opposite sides, drive and steer axles.
The smaller turning radius on the cushion tire forklifts is one of their main advantages. This makes cushion tire forklifts ideal for warehouses and manufacturing facilities that have less space. Warehouses that utilize a narrow aisle layout will especially benefit from the smaller turning radius of cushion tire forklifts. Cushion tire forklifts are more cost-effective and available compared to pneumatic tire models.
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. Pneumatic tire models create harsh fumes with their internal combustion engines, making them unsuitable for interior locations. Pneumatic tire forklifts are longer and wider than cushion tire forklifts which is why they are primarily used outdoors.
There are two kinds of pneumatic tires; the air-filled pneumatic tire is less expensive than the solid pneumatic tire. The solid pneumatic tire is comprised of solid rubber without any air inside, making this type more resilient against gouges or punctures. 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. The main issue with air pneumatic tires is their ability to become gouged or punctured. It is essential to ensure the work site is free from any sharp materials before using a forklift with air pneumatic tires. Since air-filled tires deliver a bouncy sensation, they contribute to operator fatigue and discomfort. It is possible to foam fill the pneumatic forklift tires for a smoother ride. 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. 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 on for pneumatic tire forklifts and cushion tire forklifts are fairly equal. Lift limits are given for certain electric-powered cushion tire forklifts. 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
