If you own your own forklift or have been shopping around for one, you may have spotted the words “pneumatic”, “polyurethane” and other such terms in reference to the tyres. This may as well be gibberish if you haven’t heard the terms before, but we’re here to clarify what the differences are between each tyre and help you figure out which is best for your business.

As with any vehicle, tyres play an important role in the function of a forklift and there are a number of different types to choose from — each with their own strengths. Making the right choice will prove more beneficial in both the short and long term by improving productivity and increasing the lifetime of your forklift.

Different types of forklift tyres

Cushion: made for use indoors on smooth and even concrete flooring. Cushion tyres work well when carrying high loads and can be produced to meet the requirements of various applications.

Solid: made with solid rubber instead of being filled with air. This makes solid forklift tyres highly durable within indoor environments but not suitable for use on rough or uneven outdoor surfaces.

Pneumatic: similar to car tires with thick rubber and deep tread, available in various constructions to suit intended application. Great for use in harsh conditions and on uneven outdoor surfaces, but run the risk of being punctured.

Polyurethane: a broad category which can be made to withstand high temperatures and work in hygienic or explosion-proof environments.

Smooth vs treaded tyres

Smooth tyres come with no marking on the rubber. This increases the surfaces area of the tyre that makes contact with the ground, which is well suited for grip in clean and dry indoor environments. Smooth tyres do not suffer from damage associated with deep tread and provide long-lasting function.

Treaded tyres come with varying lugs, voids and patterns to provide grip in more demanding conditions. They can be made specifically for high speed, off-road or wet conditions due to the tyre’s ability to gain traction on uneven ground and allow water and debris to pass through the void.

Know your requirements

Forklifts are used for countless applications, so it’s important to consider the unique needs of your workplace before thinking about your choice of tyres. Points to consider should include maximum load size and weight, the physical environment and demand for productivity, so do your research prior to purchase and put yourself in a better position!