Pneumatic Tire Forklifts vs Cushion Tire Forklifts

When looking at different forklift models, you’ll have to decide what type of tires will serve you best. There are two types of tires that forklifts come with: pneumatic and cushion tires. Each tire is designed to work on specific terrains to enhance safety and efficiency. Choosing the right one is important for the proper handling of cargo inside your warehouse or storage yard.

Keep reading to learn more about each tire type, and if you have any questions come to CCon Metals and let our knowledgeable staff assist you. We are your premier forklift dealer in Granite Falls, NC, and also take pride in serving those from Hickory and Lenoir, too!

Pneumatic Tire Forklifts

Pneumatic tire forklifts are a great choice for outdoor operations. They are made out of durable rubber that provides a firm grip. These tires keep the forklift stable on uneven surfaces or rough terrains. While they can also be used indoors, their large tire frames and added height makes them perfect for tackling outside tasks with much more ease. 

Pneumatic tires come in two forms: air and solid. As you may have guessed, air pneumatic tires are air-filled, while solid pneumatic tires are made out of solid rubber fitted around a large frame steel band. If your forklift will be driving around a compound that has a lot of sharp debris, then the solid option is your best choice, since they are puncture-resistant. On the other hand, air pneumatic tires provide a softer and smoother ride and are also made to last longer. 

Cushion Tire Forklifts

Cushion tire forklifts are perfect for indoor uses and can also be used outdoors on smooth surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. This type of tire is made of solid rubber fitted around a metal band but is not as large as pneumatic tires, making them less expensive. Typically, they are easier to maintain and usually have a longer lifespan than their pneumatic counterparts.

They have a smaller chassis and offer less ground clearance, so operating them on rough terrains will often be a challenge. However, cushion tire forklifts are easier to maneuver. Since they are lower to the ground, they can easily navigate tight aisles or limited warehouse spaces. 

Which One To Choose?

Basically, it all narrows down to the type of terrain you will have your forklift working on. Both options come in a variety of configurations to fit your specific needs. It is important to note that each tire option has different frame sizes which means they are not interchangeable. Make sure you take your time to carefully analyze which will serve you best. If it is necessary, you can even consider investing in one of each to improve productivity as your business grows.

Remember that at CCon Metals, we specialize in providing top-of-the-line forklift models. Whether you’re looking for a new or preowned forklift, we are here to help meet your needs. Our inventory includes both pneumatic and cushion models, and we also offer forklift parts. We are located in Granite Falls, NC, where we also serve those from Hickory and Lenoir, too!