Blog
What Is A Cushion Tire Forklift?
Cushion tire forklifts are material handling vehicles with solid rubber tires designed for smooth, indoor surfaces like warehouses. Their tires have a smaller diameter and wider base, providing stability in narrow aisles while minimizing floor damage. Powered by electric or IC engines, they handle loads up to 15,000 lbs with tight turning radii. Ideal for pallet stacking and loading docks, cushion tires lack the traction of pneumatic models but excel on concrete.
What defines a cushion tire forklift?
Cushion tire forklifts use non-pneumatic rubber tires compressed against steel bases, creating a “cushion” effect. Designed for flat indoor surfaces, their compact builds and 360° maneuverability make them warehouse staples. Unlike pneumatic tires, they can’t absorb bumps but reduce floor wear via wider contact areas.
Key specs include tire durometer ratings (65–75 Shore A) and load-centric axle positioning. For electric models, 48V–80V lithium batteries provide 6–10 hours runtime. Pro Tip: Check tire wear monthly—uneven treads strain drive motors. A 5,000-lb cushion tire forklift, for example, needs aisle widths under 8 ft for optimal operation. Why does tire hardness matter? Softer tires (<65 Shore A) deform under heavy loads, reducing maneuverability.
| Feature | Cushion Tire | Pneumatic Tire |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Composition | Solid rubber | Air-filled rubber |
| Surface Compatibility | Smooth concrete | Uneven/outdoor |
| Maintenance | Low (no air pressure) | High (punctures) |
When should you choose cushion tires over pneumatics?
Opt for cushion tires in warehouses with epoxy-coated floors or temperature-controlled environments. Their design prevents debris buildup and offers 10–15% better energy efficiency on flats vs. pneumatics. However, avoid them on gravel, asphalt, or slopes steeper than 5%.
Beyond surface type, consider load frequency. Cushion tire forklifts excel in high-turnover logistics hubs moving 200+ pallets/day. Pro Tip: Use polyurethane tire coatings to reduce marking on polished floors. For instance, a Costco distribution center uses cushion tire fleets for 24/7 operations—switching to pneumatics would increase downtime from tire repairs. But what if your facility has occasional outdoor routes? Hybrid tires exist but compromise both worlds.
Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.
How do cushion tire forklifts handle different loads?
Their low center of gravity (8–14 inches) stabilizes tall or irregular loads like rolled carpets. With lift heights up to 24 ft, they handle stacking in 30-ft aisles. However, load capacity drops 20% when lifting to maximum height.
Counterbalance designs use rear weight distribution—30% of total capacity is allocated to counterweights. For example, a 10,000-lb model has a 3,000-lb counterweight. Pro Tip: Use fork positioners for mixed loads to avoid lateral instability. Why do loads shift more here? Cushion tires’ rigidity transmits floor imperfections to the mast, requiring precise load centering.
| Load Type | Max Weight | Recommended Tire Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Pallets (wood) | 12,000 lbs | N/A (solid tires) |
| Steel coils | 8,000 lbs | N/A (solid tires) |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—axle clearances and mast dynamics differ. Swapping requires costly structural modifications, often exceeding 30% of the forklift’s value.
Do cushion tire forklifts work in freezers?
Yes, but use cold-rated rubber (-40°F) and lithium batteries. Standard tires harden below 14°F, reducing traction.
How long do cushion tires last?
1,500–2,000 hours with proper use. Rotate tires every 500 hours to equalize wear from turning forces.
