An IC forklift with cushion tyre uses an internal combustion engine (diesel, propane, or gasoline) paired with solid, flat-profile cushion tyres designed for smooth indoor floors. These tyres lack tread patterns, minimizing floor damage while offering compactness for tight warehouse aisles. Common in manufacturing/logistics, they handle 2–5 ton loads with 6–10 km/h speeds. Understanding Forklift Battery State of Charge: A Complete Guide
How do cushion tyres differ from pneumatic ones?
Cushion tyres feature solid rubber construction without air chambers, unlike pneumatic tyres. They’re thinner (8–12 cm wide) and suited for flat surfaces, while pneumatics (15–30 cm) handle rough terrain. Pro Tip: Never use cushion tyres outdoors—gravel or slopes risk tyre slippage and chassis instability.
Unlike pneumatic tyres, cushion variants compress minimally under load, reducing energy loss but offering less shock absorption. For example, a Toyota 8FGU25 with cushion tyres operates at 90 dB noise levels vs. 85 dB for electric models. Transitionally, while cushion tyres excel in compact spaces, their rigidity demands reinforced floor joints. Ever wondered why warehouses prefer them? The answer lies in their 15–20% tighter turning radius versus pneumatic equivalents.
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| Feature | Cushion Tyre | Pneumatic Tyre |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Compatibility | Smooth indoor | Outdoor/uneven |
| Maintenance | Zero air pressure checks | Weekly pressure monitoring |
| Cost (USD) | $200–$400 | $500–$900 |
What are the load capacity limits?
IC cushion tyre forklifts typically handle 2–5 tons, constrained by tyre thickness and axle strength. Heavy-duty models like Cat C4.5 reach 4.5 tons at 600mm load centers. However, exceeding limits causes premature tyre cracking—imagine carrying cement blocks on a skateboard!
Structurally, the fulcrum-to-axle ratio determines stability—longer wheelbases (160–200cm) enable higher capacities. Transitioning to real-world use, a 3-ton Mitsubishi FD30N lifts stacked pallets 6 meters high but requires counterweight adjustments for top-heavy loads. Pro Tip: Reduce capacity by 18% when lifting irregularly shaped objects—their shifted centers of gravity increase tip-over risks.
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What fuel types do IC cushion tyre forklifts use?
They run on diesel, propane, or gasoline, with propane dominating 70% of North American markets due to cleaner emissions. Diesel variants like Hyster H40FT yield 8–10 hours runtime per tank versus propane’s 6–8 hours. But why choose propane indoors? Its lower particulate matter prevents ventilation overload in warehouses.
Technically, propane engines produce 15–20% less torque than diesel but warm up 50% faster in cold storage. For instance, a Yale GP030MX propane model generates 92 Nm torque at 2,200 RPM. Transitionally, while gasoline is cheaper, propane’s easier refueling (3-minute tank swaps) boosts uptime. What Is Standard Forklift Fork Spacing?
How do IC models compare to electric forklifts?
IC forklifts deliver higher torque and longer runtime but emit exhaust—unsuitable for food/pharma sectors. Electric models operate at 80% lower decibels but require 8-hour charges. Imagine choosing between a gas car and Tesla for warehouse chores!
| Metric | IC Cushion | Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (USD) | $25K–$45K | $18K–$38K |
| Lifespan | 10K hours | 20K hours |
| CO2 Emissions | 12 tons/year | 0 |
What maintenance do cushion tyres require?
Inspect tread depth monthly—replace at 3mm (vs. 1.6mm for truck tyres). Clean debris from grooves to prevent floor scratches. Surprisingly, 30% of tyre wear stems from misaligned axles—schedule laser alignment biannually.
Practically speaking, rotating tyres every 500 hours extends lifespan by 25%. For example, a Crown SC 5200’s front tyres wear twice as fast as rears. Transitionally, although cushion tyres lack blowout risks, sidewall cracks from overloading can’t be patched—order replacements immediately upon spotting fractures.
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FAQs
No—their solid tyres lack grip on rain-slicked concrete. Use pneumatic models for dock-to-door freight movement.
Do propane models require ventilation?
Yes—OSHA mandates 4–6 air changes/hour in enclosed spaces to prevent CO buildup exceeding 50 ppm.
How often should I change hydraulic fluid?
Every 1,000 hours or annually—contaminated fluid causes 40% of lift cylinder failures in IC units.
