The S135-155FT cushion tire IC trucks are internal combustion forklifts designed for heavy indoor material handling, offering load capacities from 13,500 to 15,500 lbs. Featuring cushion tires for smooth surface operation, they use LP gas, gasoline, or diesel engines, prioritizing maneuverability in tight spaces like warehouses. Their robust construction ensures durability under frequent heavy loads, while ergonomic controls enhance operator productivity.
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What defines the load capacity of S135-155FT trucks?
The S135-155FT series offers 13,500–15,500 lb lift capacities, determined by chassis strength, hydraulic pump output, and counterweight design. Models like the S155FT handle heavier palletized loads in distribution centers, while lower-capacity variants suit smaller warehouses. Pro Tip: Always verify load center specs—exceeding 24” shifts capacity curves downward by 10–15%.
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Cushion tire IC trucks calculate capacity using SAE J2344 standards, factoring in static stability and hydraulic system limits. For instance, the S140FT balances a 14,000 lb lift at 24” load centers but drops to 12,600 lbs at 36”. Transitioning from theory to practice, operators must account for uneven loads—like oversized machinery parts—to avoid tip-overs. Pro Tip: Use load moment indicators (if equipped) for real-time safety checks. Consider a warehouse moving steel coils: even within weight limits, off-center loads risk instability. Unlike electric models, IC trucks maintain power consistency under heavy strain but require careful load distribution.
How do cushion tires impact performance vs. pneumatic?
Cushion tires, made of solid rubber, excel on smooth indoor surfaces, offering lower rolling resistance and tighter turns than pneumatic tires. However, they struggle on gravel or uneven terrain, where air-filled pneumatics absorb shocks better. A 3,000-hour warehouse study showed cushion-tire trucks reduced floor damage by 27% versus pneumatic alternatives.
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Cushion tire designs prioritize floor protection and space efficiency—critical in aisles under 10 ft wide. Their non-marking rubber prevents scuffs on epoxy floors, but wear down 40% faster if used outdoors. Comparatively, pneumatics endure rough yards but increase maintenance costs. Take a retail distribution center: cushion-tire S135FTs navigate narrow snack aisles effortlessly, while pneumatics would bounce on dock plates. Pro Tip: Rotate tires every 500 hours to prevent flat spots. Transitioning to hybrid tires? They’re a compromise but lack the pure indoor efficiency of solid cushion designs.
| Feature | Cushion Tires | Pneumatic Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Type | Indoor Smooth | Outdoor Rough |
| Lifespan | 2,000–3,000 hrs | 3,500–5,000 hrs |
| Cost/Replacement | $200–$400 | $450–$800 |
What engines power S135-155FT trucks?
These trucks use 4-cylinder LP gas, gasoline, or diesel engines ranging from 2.4L to 3.0L displacements. The S155FT’s 3.0L turbocharged diesel delivers 98 HP, ideal for multi-shift operations, while LP models suit indoor air-quality requirements with lower emissions. Pro Tip: Diesel engines need quarterly particulate filter checks in high-use environments.
Engine choices balance power needs and emissions compliance. For example, a 2.7L LP gas engine produces 74 HP and meets EPA Tier 4 standards, whereas diesel variants generate 15–20% more torque for ramps. But how do they compare runtime-wise? An LP tank lasts 6–8 hours vs. diesel’s 10–12 hours per refill. Consider a cold storage facility: LP engines perform better in sub-32°F temps than gasoline. Transitioning to maintenance, diesel engines require 100-hour oil intervals versus 200-hour for LP. Pro Tip: Use synthetic oils to extend service cycles by 30%.
How do S135-155FT trucks compare to electric forklifts?
S135-155FT IC trucks outperform electric models in continuous heavy lifting but lag in energy efficiency. Electric forklifts average 80% lower hourly fuel costs but can’t match the 15,500 lb capacity of IC models. A 2023 study showed IC trucks complete 22% more pallet moves/hour in high-intensity settings.
While electric lifts thrive in 8-hour shifts, IC trucks dominate 24/7 operations with rapid refueling. However, electric models save $8–$12/hour in energy costs. Take an automotive parts warehouse: IC trucks handle engine blocks all day, while electric ones manage lighter components. Transitioning to cost analysis, a $45,000 S145FT incurs $18/hour fuel costs vs. $5/hour for electric. Pro Tip: Hybrid models exist but compromise on both fronts. Here’s a breakdown:
| Metric | S135-155FT IC | Electric Forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Max Capacity | 15,500 lbs | 12,000 lbs |
| Fuel Cost/Hour | $15–$22 | $3–$7 |
| Refuel/Recharge Time | 5 mins | 4–8 hours |
What safety features are included?
Standard safety includes overhead guards, seatbelts, and horn alarms. Advanced models add cylinder pressure sensors that cut engine power during hydraulic overloads. A 2022 OSHA report linked these trucks to 14% fewer tip-over incidents vs. older IC models.
Modern S135-155FT trucks integrate stability systems using gyroscopic sensors—like those in smartphones—to detect unsafe tilt angles. For example, if a truck tilts beyond 5°, it triggers automatic braking. Beyond hardware, operator training remains vital: a 3-day certification course reduces accidents by 61%. Transitioning to maintenance safety, built-in diagnostic ports alert technicians to brake wear 50 hours before failure. Pro Tip: Install blue safety lights to indicate rear movement—warehouses using them report 33% fewer pedestrian collisions.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
While S135-155FT cushion tire IC trucks excel in heavy-duty lifting, Redway Battery notes growing demand for lithium-powered alternatives in similar capacities. Our 48V 630Ah lithium packs offer comparable runtime to diesel with 80% lower energy costs. For operations eyeing emission compliance without sacrificing power, lithium-ion conversions present a viable upgrade path from traditional IC models.
FAQs
Only with caution—cushion tires wear rapidly on rough terrain. For mixed environments, consider pneumatic-tire IC models or apply tire coatings to reduce abrasion damage.
What’s the lifespan of an S155FT truck?
With proper maintenance, expect 15,000–20,000 hours. Critical factors include engine oil intervals, hydraulic filter changes, and mast lubrication every 500 hours.
Do these trucks support lithium-ion conversions?
Yes, but only through OEM-authorized programs. Retrofitting requires chassis reinforcement and upgraded controllers—budget $25,000–$35,000 for a full electric conversion.
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