Every day in Australia, businesses use a range of different forklifts for a variety of crucial roles, from warehouses and manufacturing plants to construction sites and distribution centres. When it comes to the choice of forklift, many businesses spend a considerable amount of time figuring out the type of forklift they want, whether it runs on diesel, LPG, petrol or is electric.

One often overlooked aspect of forklift operation is the impact of tyres on it’s ability to do the job you need. Forklift tyres come in a range of different types, each designed for specific applications and terrain types. Choosing the right forklift tyre will impact your forklift's performance, safety and longevity, so it’s important to know about the different forklift tyre types available and when each should be used.

Cushion tyres

Cushion tyres are solid rubber tyres made of a smooth, solid rubber compound. They are typically used indoors on smooth and flat surfaces, like concrete or bitumen. Here are some of the situations when you might want to consider using cushion tyres:

• You’re operating indoors: Cushion tyres are great for indoor use in warehouses and distribution centres where the floor is relatively clean and smooth.
• You’ve got low clearance: Cushion tyres are narrower and provide a lower clearance height than other types of tyres, making them suitable for forklifts that need to maneuver in tight spaces.
• You need quiet operation: As the name suggests, cushion tyres offer a quieter ride than other tyre types, making them a great option for noise-sensitive areas

Pneumatic tyres

Pneumatic tyres are similar to the types of tyres you find on cars and trucks. They are filled with air and come in two main varieties: solid pneumatic and pneumatic. Here's when to use pneumatic tyres:

• You’re operating outdoors: Pneumatic tyres are excellent for rough outdoor terrain, making them a popular option for construction sites, lumber yards and outdoor storage areas.
• You need some shock absorption: Pneumatic tyres offer excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact on the forklift and its operator when being operated on uneven surfaces.
• You need greater load capacity: Pneumatic tyres can carry heavier loads than cushion tyres, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Solid pneumatic tyres

Solid pneumatic tyres are usually made of solid rubber but offer a similar profile to pneumatic tyres. They are a good compromise between cushion and pneumatic tyres. You could consider using solid pneumatic tyres when:

• You’re using your forklift in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Your forklift needs to handle moderate outdoor terrain but doesn't require the full capabilities of pneumatic tyres.
• If punctures are likely to happen (from foreign items entering your tyres) solid pneumatic tyres are a good option.  

Polyurethane tyres

Polyurethane tyres are made out of a hard, durable material that provides excellent traction across a range of different terrains. They are mostly used on electric forklifts and are used for the following scenarios:

• Indoor Warehouses: Polyurethane tyres are non-marking and offer great traction on smooth, clean surfaces, making them the perfect option for indoor warehouse operations.
• Reduced Maintenance: These tyres require less maintenance when compared to other types, as they are resistant to cuts and tears.
• Quiet and Smooth: Polyurethane tyres give a smooth and quiet ride, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

Selecting the right forklift tyre type is crucial for optimising your forklift's performance. Indoor or outdoor usage, the type of terrain, load capacity and your budget should all be considered when choosing between cushion, pneumatic, solid pneumatic or polyurethane tyres.