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What Are Pneumatic Tires, And Why Are They Used For Many Outdoor Applications?

Large Capacity Core IC Pneumatic Forklift lifting wooden pallets from a tall stack outside in a wood storage lot
Posted: November 01, 2017
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Every operation needs the right tool for the job. This is why choosing a forklift with the correct tire type is extremely important. When it comes to working on uneven terrain, pneumatic tires are your best bet for standing up to the challenge. But why are pneumatic tires the best choice for outdoor use? Here is a little more about pneumatic tires, and the benefits of having them on your outdoor fleet. 

What Are Pneumatic Tires?

Pneumatic tires are rubber tires filled with compressed air, similar to your regular car or truck tires. They provide a shock absorption ensuring a smoother ride on uneven terrain, making them the most commonly used outdoor tires. Pneumatic tires are known for their versatility and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering improved traction on uneven or rough surfaces. 

Is There a Difference Between Pneumatic Tires and Cushion Tires?

There is a large difference between pneumatic tires and cushion tires. While both are used in forklifts, choosing between pneumatic and cushion tires will largely depend on whether you will be using them outdoors or indoors. 

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic tires are versatile, making them appropriate for use in both indoor and outdoor environments. This type of tire is often used in outdoor settings where the forklift needs to transition between indoor and outdoor surfaces. They are effective on uneven terrain, providing a smoother ride and better traction. The durability of pneumatic tires is attributed to the rubber treads and larger frames, enhancing their capability to navigate uneven surfaces effectively. 

Cushion Tires

Cushion tires are constructed with a solid rubber material that encases a metal band. Specifically designed for use on concrete or asphalt surfaces, cushion tires are particularly well-suited for indoor settings such as warehouses. They don’t provide the same traction on uneven surfaces as pneumatic tires. These tires perform best on smooth, flat surfaces, and they have a smaller turning radius making it easier to maneuver in smaller spaces. 

Are There Different Types of Pneumatic Tires?

Yes, there are two types of pneumatic tires, solid pneumatics and air pneumatics. 

 

Air pneumatic tires are filled with air, while the solid pneumatics are made of rubber and more puncture-proof. If you have nails, rocks, or other sharp objects around the yard or workspace, you may want to lean more toward the solid pneumatic option.

What Are the Benefits of Pneumatic Tires?

Shock Absorption: One of the biggest benefits of using pneumatic tires is their ability to absorb the unevenness of terrain. This allows for a smoother ride, and less bumping and shaking.

 

Thick Treads: They are also going to have a thicker tread, which provides traction to drive over loose and uneven surfaces.

 

Less Waiting Time: The value of pneumatic tires in outdoor applications is that they ultimately increase your uptime.

 

Finding the right forklift for the job can be a hassle. Let the experts at Toyota Forklifts guide you to the pneumatic forklift that fits your outdoor needs. 

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