A tire is the external rubber covering of vehicle wheels and is directly responsible for transferring forces between the vehicle and the road surface. It is the most important element of a vehicle, as it is the first to directly contact the surface on which the vehicle moves.
Tires intended for forklifts, like in the case of other wheeled vehicles, should primarily ensure optimal grip enabling vehicle steering depending on changing weather conditions. Additionally, good tires should enable dampening of unevenness and quickly reduce speed.
Types of tires used in forklifts
Tires mounted on forklift wheels are mounted on rims, which primarily guarantees increased stability of vehicles with high stacking operations. Here, two main types of tires can be distinguished:
- elastic (super-elastic), i.e., solid,
- pneumatic, i.e., non-solid.
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Elastic tires
The first type of tires have a solid construction and are a good solution for use in terrain where there is a high risk of tire damage, e.g., rubble sites, production halls, garbage dumps, etc. In case of puncturing such a tire, there is usually a small crack or surface damage, which in no way determines the necessity of tire replacement. Work can be continued because such a product is resistant to this type of damage.
Complete destruction or cracking of the tire is practically eliminated to zero. This results in increased comfort and safety. Such a solution significantly increases the mobility of forklifts. Solid tires can be divided into categories: standard with symmetrical cross-section mounted on bolted rims or ring rims (designation ST) and quick with a rim protecting the ringless rim (designation Q, Quick or Easyclick).
Pneumatic tires
Pneumatic tires used in forklifts are inflated with air. A forklift with such a tire will be cheaper to operate and has definitely better shock absorption, tire replacement is quick and easy. However, pneumatic tires are more susceptible to punctures and faster, progressive destruction. Due to construction, they can be divided into two types: diagonal and radial.
The first type of pneumatic tires is quite resistant to mechanical damage, the construction is simple, compact and quiet-running. Cord layers reach the beads and are arranged at a variable angle to the center line of the tread (usually this angle is less than 90 degrees). Unfortunately, the disadvantage is the possibility of deformation when moving at too high speeds on turns. Diagonal tires also have higher rolling resistance, which translates to slightly higher fuel consumption.
Radial tires provide definitely better vehicle handling, grip and lower fuel consumption thanks to appropriate construction – cord layers reach the beads and are arranged at a right angle to the center line of the tread.
What tires to use in forklifts?
Proper tire selection for a forklift largely affects driving comfort, economy and safety. In the case of forklifts, an important aspect is the working conditions in which the tire must operate. Properly selected tires provide better grip, vibration reduction and slower wear of the forklift’s suspension elements.
In case of extremely difficult work, where contact with sharp objects cannot be avoided, mounting solid tires seems to be the best solution. For the least demanding work, where good transport roads are ensured, mounting pneumatic tires will be the ideal solution.
Select and buy forklift tires directly from FLT
Are you wondering about choosing the right tires for your forklift? Contact us, we will help and advise you in choosing the best tires for your equipment.
Questions about tires?
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