Cushion Tire Forklift Arizona

Used Cushion Tire Forklift Arizona - 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 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. Cushion tires also allow the forklift to sit closer to the ground. The advantage of a lower forklift is the increased vertical clearance when compared to forklifts with pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires provide better traction compared to cushion tires; especially on wet surfaces and outdoor locations. 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 solid resilient pneumatic tires are comprised entirely of rubber and the standard air pneumatic tires feature a layered rubber design filled with air. 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 Cushion tire forklifts can be used inside and outside on smooth surfaces. The type of forklift that utilizes cushion tires are for mainly inside applications with some limited outside use. Warehousing applications and manufacturing facilities often rely on cushion tire forklifts. 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 Most cushion tire forklifts intended for indoor use are electric, which means they are usually smaller and more maneuverable because they do not required the extra room needed to accommodate the larger internal combustion engine. 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 Cushion tires for forklifts are durable, easy to maintain and have little to no risk of puncture. 4) Quiet Cushion tire forklifts do not use an internal combustion engine and instead rely on a battery or fuel cell, making them significantly quieter than their propane or diesel cousins. 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 forklift frame typically depicts whether a cushion tire or a pneumatic tire will be utilized. 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. 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 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. Forklifts fitted with cushion tires often have a smaller frame and sit much lower to the ground than forklifts fitted with pneumatic tires. Cushion tire models can fit through doorways easier and avoid overhead obstacles. 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 style tires will give better traction on rough terrains like asphalt or packed gravel or wet surfaces. 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. Cushion tire forklifts are excellent for manufacturing facilities and warehouse operations that are compact with 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 Outdoor applications working on gravel benefit from pneumatic tire forklift models thanks to the air in their tires. Some interior locations may utilize pneumatic tire forklifts; however, they do not offer a small turning radius or the lower clearance and maneuverability that the cushion tires provide. 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. The solid pneumatic tire costs more compared to the air pneumatic tire. The solid pneumatic tire has no air inside and is made from solid rubber. This design makes the tire stronger against punctures or gouges. 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. Because of this, it is necessary to make sure the work area is free of any sharp objects before using forklift fitted with air pneumatic tires at that site. Air tires are also known to give a bouncy ride, contributing to operator discomfort and fatigue. Due to this, numerous air pneumatic forklift users fill foam in 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 also used to help prevent flat tires. 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