IC forklift cushion tyres are solid, non-pneumatic tires designed for internal combustion (IC) forklifts operating on smooth indoor surfaces like warehouses. Constructed from durable rubber compounds, they eliminate air pressure maintenance and provide stable load handling with flat tread profiles. Their compact design suits narrow aisles, offering puncture resistance and 8–12 mph operational speeds. Pro Tip: Avoid uneven outdoor terrain—cushion tyres lack shock absorption for rough ground.
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What defines cushion tyres for IC forklifts?
Cushion tyres are solid rubber tires with flat treads, engineered for smooth floors and tight spaces. They lack air-filled chambers, reducing puncture risks while maintaining load stability up to 15,000 lbs. Their slim profile minimizes floor contact, ideal for electric pallet jacks or IC forklifts in distribution centers.
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How do cushion tyres differ from pneumatic tyres?
Pneumatic tyres use air-filled chambers for shock absorption on rough terrain, whereas cushion tyres rely on solid rubber for hard floors. Cushion designs have 30% smaller diameters (e.g., 16″ vs. 22″) and lack tread grooves, trading off-road flexibility for indoor maneuverability. For example, a Yale GP050IC forklift uses cushion tyres for 180° turns in aisles under 8 ft wide. Pro Tip: Never substitute pneumatic for cushion tyres—improper fitment risks axle misalignment.
| Feature | Cushion Tyres | Pneumatic Tyres |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Smooth indoor | Rough outdoor |
| Maintenance | Zero air pressure | Weekly PSI checks |
| Cost | $200–$400 | $400–$800 |
Why choose cushion tyres for IC forklifts?
Cushion tyres excel in high-traffic warehouses where floor debris and tight spaces demand durability and precision. Their solid build withstands frequent starts/stops, lasting 2–4 years versus 1–3 years for pneumatics. Imagine navigating a Costco storage aisle—cushion tyres allow sharper turns without damaging shelves. However, they generate 10–15% more floor vibration; anti-fatigue mats mitigate operator discomfort. Pro Tip: Rotate tyres every 500 hours to prevent uneven wear on drive wheels.
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What load capacities do cushion tyres support?
Standard cushion tyres handle 3,000–15,000 lbs depending on rubber hardness (60–90 Shore A) and wheel diameter. A 20x7x15 tyre (20″ diameter, 7″ width) typically supports 8,000 lbs at 90 psi equivalent. Overloading beyond 110% capacity risks sidewall cracks—like cramming a 5,000-lb pallet onto a 4,000-lb rated forklift. Always verify OEM specs: Toyota 8FGCU25 tyres max at 12,500 lbs, while Hyster S2.5XS models cap at 6,000 lbs.
How to maintain cushion tyres?
Inspect weekly for cuts, uneven wear, and embedded debris. Clean treads with non-corrosive solvents to prevent rubber degradation. Lubricate wheel bearings annually—dry operation increases friction, raising surface temps by 20–30°F. For example, a Crown SC 5200’s left tyre wearing 50% faster signals misaligned steering components. Pro Tip: Use tyre dressing sprays sparingly—excess silicone reduces traction on epoxy floors.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Tread inspection | Weekly | Flashlight |
| Debris removal | Post-shift | Wire brush |
| Bearing grease | 500 hours | Lithium grease gun |
When to replace cushion tyres vs. repair?
Replace cushion tyres when tread depth drops below 1/8″ or cracks exceed 2″ long. Minor cuts under 1″ can be vulcanized, restoring 85–90% strength. But what if a tyre loses 30% tread on one side? That indicates chassis issues—repairing without alignment fixes wastes $. For context, a $300 replacement beats hourly repair labor after 3+ vulcanizations. Pro Tip: Track tyre lifespan via hour meters—most fail between 2,800–3,500 runtime hours.
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FAQs
Yes, but below -20°F, rubber hardens, reducing traction. Use cold-rated compounds (e.g., Arctic Cushion XT) with 15% higher silica content.
Do cushion tyres work on gravel?
No—gravel embeds into rubber, causing imbalance. Switch to pneumatic tyres for mixed surfaces.
