Used Cushion Tire Forklift Santa Ana - While forklift trucks are often classified by the type of work they perform under most circumstances, forklift trucks can also be classified by the type of tire they are fitted with. The two types of tire classification for forklifts are:
1. Cushion; and
2. Pneumatic.
When considering the benefits and drawbacks of cushion tires in forklift uses, it is important to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the other available forklift tire option: the pneumatic tire. 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 feature solid rubber that is either smooth or treaded and fixed or positioned around a baseband or metal ring. Cushion tires cost less to make and are easier to take care of. This type of tire is made to work on smooth surfaces such as indoor concrete floors and loading docks. Cushion tires make travelling in tight locations much easier to navigate around corners due to their tight 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. 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.
There are many jobs suitable for cushion tire forklifts such as unloading shipments, transporting items to and from the loading areas, order picking, unloading inventory and more.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires, on the other hand, are primarily designed to operate in rougher terrain, with uneven surfaces. These tires have two categorizations:
The solid resilient pneumatic tires are comprised entirely of rubber and the standard air pneumatic tires feature a layered rubber design filled with air.
Pneumatic tire forklifts are excellent choices for working in locations with uneven or unpaved ground outdoors. 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
Forklifts that use cushion tires are a wise option for interior and exterior locations that feature smooth surfaces. The type of forklift that utilizes cushion tires are for mainly inside applications with some limited outside use. They are often designed for use in areas such as manufacturing plants and warehouses. Work which requires forklift operations in tight areas, such as narrow aisles, are ideal for the use of a cushion tire forklift.
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
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
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
Powered by electricity instead of relying on an internal combustion engine enables cushion tire forklifts to make zero dangerous emissions.
Forklift Tire Choice
Most forklift frames only allow for either a cushion tire or a pneumatic tire. Tires and axles are specific to the lifting capacity and the machine’s frame. The majority of forklift manufacturers create models to coincide with specific wheels and tires, usually cushion tires or pneumatic tires. Because of this, it is more useful to choose the best forklift type, considering the type of tires the forklift will require and how it fits the job application, rather than attempting to modify the forklift by choosing the right tire for the application.
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. These tires are not recommended for travelling on grass or dirt. Traction tires are utilized on the opposite sides, the steer and drive axles.
One of the top advantages of the cushion forklifts is their tight turning radius. Cushion tire forklifts are excellent for manufacturing facilities and warehouse operations that are compact with less space. Locations that rely on narrow aisles will benefit greatly from the smaller cushion tire forklifts and their tight turning capabilities. 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.
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 pneumatic tires work great outside on gravel and asphalt applications. Air-filled pneumatic tires can easily become punctured and their working environment needs to be evaluated carefully. 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. 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. 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
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. There are numerous forklifts available and a variety of pneumatic and cushion tire models can be found in a variety of load capacities. There are numerous load capacities ranging from less than 2000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds.
Cushion Tire Forklift PDF
