There are 3 basic types of forklift tyres:

1. Resilient
   Comprising of solid rubber, these are the most common tyre type in the UK for counterbalanced forklifts. Resilient tyres are puncture proof and therefore a popular choice for construction sites, timber yards and indoor/ outdoor warehouses.
2. Press on band
   These are made from high-performance, natural rubber compounds moulded to a rubber band. These are primarily suited to medium intensity applications including indoor and loading dock applications.
3. Pneumatic
   These air-filled tyres are normally fitted to larger forklifts and provide a more cushioned ride than solid tyres. They are suited to indoor and outdoor applications where the work area is free of sharp objects.

The correct choice of forklift tyres will provide multiple benefits including:

• Productivity
  Selecting a correctly sized and profiled tyre will enable the forklift to lift and transport loads with the least resistance and wear, increasing productivity.
  
  A reduction in downtime can also be achieved by choosing a more durable tyre, reducing the risk of punctures and premature replacement through excessive wear.
  
  
• Safety
  A key benefit from selecting the right tyre is the handling performance. The right tyres will allow the forklift to be more responsive when braking, lowering the risk of potential accidents in the workplace.
  
  Also, the correct choice of tyres will reduce the chances of the forklift slipping on the floor surface and loads becoming unstable during transit.
  
  
• Cost reduction
  The durability of a tyre can provide considerable cost benefits. A higher quality tyre can last considerably longer than cheaper options, however, this is dependent on its application.

The 3 main factors that have a direct bearing on which forklift tyre is best suited to your operations are:

1. The type of forklift.
2. The conditions the forklift is operating in.
3. How the forklift is being operated.

Find out more here.

Ensuring you have the correct forklift tyres for cold and wet conditions is a necessity for protecting the truck and your operators to ensure safety and productivity stays high.

Read our blog to find out how.