When selecting a forklift for your operation, there are many options to consider before finally deciding on the right equipment for the job. While ensuring the truck you choose matches your environment and can handle the proper capacity limits, choosing the right tires for your forklift is also essential. Different applications require different forklift tires, and it is imperative to select the right kind of tires because it will affect the overall handling and welfare of the forklift.

Pneumatic Forklift Tires  
Pneumatic tires are similar to car and truck tires because of their deep tread, enabling use in outdoor operations due to their ability to grip uneven and rough terrain.   

Pneumatic tires are more commonly used on:   

• Construction sites 
• Railyards  
• Ports  
• Construction sites  
• Railyards  
• Ports  

Types of Pneumatic Tires
Beyond knowing where these tires perform best, what are pneumatic tires, and what are the different types of pneumatic tires.

There are two different types of pneumatic tires, solid pneumatics, and air pneumatics. Depending on the environment that your truck will work, knowing the difference between the two tire options will help you make the best decision for your operation.

• Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic forklift tires are made out of solid rubber and are more resistant to puncture. They are ideal for operations with a great deal of debris since you can puncture or gouge the tire. 
• Air Pneumatic Tires: Air pneumatics are air-filled and not as durable as solid-filled tires.  And although air-filled tires are cheaper to purchase, you will likely need to replace them sooner.

Pneumatic tires provide a smoother ride for operators as the air-filled tire can provide a bit of bounce when navigating over rough terrain.

Cushion Forklift Tires  
Cushion forklift tires are built of smooth, solid rubber and are fitted around a metal rim. Compared to pneumatic tires this type of tire is easier to maintain and cheaper to manufacture, lowering costs for operations. However, these tires do not get a similar level of traction as pneumatic tires do. Therefore, cushion tires are generally best for flat and smooth surfaces and are ideal for indoor applications than outdoor settings.

• Loading docks 
• Indoor warehouses   

Cushion forklift tires can’t withstand as much weight as pneumatic tires can but can function in smaller capacities. This ability makes them an attractive option for facilities with less space as their smaller turning radius provides an advantage compared to pneumatic tires.   

How to Decide Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires  
There are benefits of pneumatic tires and cushion tires, depending on the application, Pneumatic tires have deep tread that gives operators a smoother ride with fewer bumps and less noticeable terrain transitions. While cushion tires work well on smoother indoor surfaces. When deciding which tires are best for your business keep the following considerations in mind:

• How will your forklift be used? 
• How much room do you have to maneuver in?  
• Where will your forklift be used?  

Consider that the work environment will play a heavy role in making the ultimate decision on tire options. Both cushion and pneumatic tire forklifts can be acquired in any load capacity, ranging from less than 2,000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds.

If you are still having trouble deciding, we are more than happy to offer solutions for your specific situation. At Matthai Material Handling, we understand the importance of choosing the best tire for your forklift to enhance the capabilities of your operation. We know what matters to your operation and how the smallest detail can enhance or detract from your organization. Just give us a call at 410-344-1801 for a consultation and quote.

Orginal post at KION North America

With so many truck options out there, choosing the correct truck for the application can seem like a daunting task.  From enhancing productivity to promoting safety, selecting the appropriate truck for your operation can affect multiple layers of your supply chain. 

What is Forklift Capacity?

Forklift capacity is the amount of weight a forklift can safely lift at a specific load center.  Lift truck capacity can range anywhere from 3,000 to 70,000 lbs. and offer a multitude of designs to aid in lift efficiency.  Each forklift has its own data plate where you can find the rated capacity. 

Knowing a trucks lift capacity does not necessarily equate to matching product in pounds. For instance, if a forklift’s data plate specifies a lift capacity of 5,000 lbs. that does not necessarily mean the truck can carry any load of 5,000 lbs. The amount of weight a forklift can safely carry will change depending on the way the load is carried and the weight is distributed.

What is The Forklift Load Center?

The forklift load center is the distance from the front of the truck forks to the center of gravity of the load. Most forklifts use a 24-inch load center, so your load’s center of gravity should not be more than 24 inches from the face of the forks. This measurement is important for operators and operation managers to consider for the safety of their ongoing operations.

How Do I Determine What Forklift Capacity I Need?

When considering forklift capacity options for your operation ask yourself the following questions:

• Where will my forklift be used (indoors or outdoors)?
• How heavy is my typical load?
• What is the shape of my typical load?
• What aisle clearance do I have in the warehouse?
• How high do my loads need to be lifted?
• How often will my forklift be used?

Factors that Impact Lift Capacity

Tires

Choosing a forklift, based on lift capacities, involves many more factors than what the data plate states.  Each part of the truck offers its own lift capacities and can directly affect the load you intend to carry.  For example, the type of tires on the truck will help determine lift abilities.  If the truck has small or larger tires, those details will come into play on calculating load size and may require a recalculation of the center of gravity. 

Attachments

Warehouse operations will often add forklift attachments to aid the needs of their operation.  However, before adding any attachment, operators must consider the effect adding an attachment will have on the truck’s center of gravity.  The additional weight is not the only concern, as the horizontal and vertical center of gravities can also affect the overall lifting.  To ensure trucks are transporting loads safely, locating the forklift attachment’s data plate will assist in determining proper lift capacity.

Center of Gravity Shifts

Most counterbalanced trucks have what is called a stability triangle.  The stability triangle is a three-point suspension system that incorporates two front wheels and the center of the steer axle that supports the truck.  When the truck is at rest, the center of gravity is within the stability triangle, however, when the truck is in motion (braking, accelerating, and making turns) the center of gravity shifts. Issues that can affect the center of gravity are damaged products, loads un-securely mounted, loads that are off-center, and loads that are exceeding capacity.

Get the Right Equipment for Your Operation

There are plenty of other areas to consider when determining the appropriate truck options for your supply chain. Calculating lift capacities and considering additional attachments can be overwhelming for the operator to navigate. That’s why our network of dealers throughout North America are ready to help you find the right truck for the job. Contact us today for your consultation to find the best forklift to meet your operational needs. 

Sign up for your eNewsletter to be alerted of new content, specials or industry news.

See original at KION North America blog.