If you’re in the market for new forklift tires, you may know there are several different tire options available. Purchasing new pneumatic tires for your Hyundai forklift is essential to keeping your lift truck running smoothly while maintaining productive business operations.
Read our guide to pneumatic forklift tires to learn all you need to know about how to maintain, change, and select the right pneumatic tires for your Hyundai forklift.
Forklifts can come equipped with different types of tires depending on the size, application, and type of forklift. In general, there are two types of pneumatic tires commonly found on forklifts:
Cushion tires, also known as rubber tires, are made from a solid rubber that’s fitted onto a metal band and pressed directly onto the forklift wheel. Compared to pneumatic tires, cushion tires:
Cushion tires are easier to manufacture and are more affordable because of the above characteristics. Because they’re meant for indoor or non-rugged work environments, cushion tires are also generally considered easier to maintain since they aren’t exposed to harsh outdoor conditions.
However, cushion tires have a few key drawbacks compared to pneumatic forklift tires. If your work requires you to operate a forklift outside of a smooth surface environment, like a warehouse or a loading bay, then cushion tires may not be the best solution for the job. Forklifts operated outdoors on more rugged surfaces, such as on construction sites or in lumber yards, face a number of factors that can put cushion tires at risk of damage.
Pneumatic tires are a preferred tire option for multi-purpose applications. Though the upfront investment is higher, they’re a longer-lasting, puncture-proof option that will keep your forklift operating at top performance no matter the conditions.
Generally, you cannot, as tires and axles are specific to the forklift frame and lift capacity. However, some forklift manufacturers design models to be fitted with either cushion or pneumatic tires without having to modify the forklift frame.
Pneumatic tires are an investment, so practicing good maintenance habits is important to extend their longevity. As with all tires, there are some basic maintenance steps to take regularly. There are also a few requirements specific to pneumatic tires, particularly when it comes to air pressure.
Below are some of the top tips on how to maintain pneumatic forklift tires:
When it’s time to replace or upgrade your forklift tires, you’ll need to know how to properly and safely change a pneumatic forklift tire. Below are the basic steps to follow when changing a pneumatic forklift tire:
For air-filled pneumatic tires specifically, you’ll want to deflate the old tires before removing the entire wheel assembly from the forklift. Then inflate the new ones once the wheel assembly has been reinstalled.
Invest in top-quality pneumatic forklift tires for your lift truck by choosing Thompson Lift Truck. We provide industrial lift truck solutions that support our customers through the entire equipment lifecycle. Choose us for your new forklift sales or used lift truck purchases, as well as ongoing equipment service and maintenance and parts replacements, including new Hyundai pneumatic forklift tires.
At Thompson Lift Truck, you’ll find a range of business solutions that help keep you operating at peak performance. Choose us for your rental equipment needs, as well as fleet management services and warehouse solutions from leading brands like Crown and Hyundai.
Contact us today to learn more about our full range of services and to get expert advice on purchasing new pneumatic tires for your industrial forklifts. Or visit one of our 22 locations throughout the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, Northwest Florida, and Tennessee.