Tyres
Tyres represent the connection between the forklift truck and the floor it rolls on.
They act partially as shock absorber and transmit the power between the forklift truck
and the ground.
The most important requirements for the manufacturers and owners of forklift trucks are:
- • high capacity of small diameter tyres
- • minimal rolling resistance
- • solid support
- • good driving comfort
- • long tyre life
The many different types of forklift trucks require a number of different
tyres and dimensions.
1) Pneumatic Tyres
Pneumatic Tyres - same as found in automobiles - are mounted on a rim and filled with air. The type of the tire depends on the required capacity and the needed size. The capacity is determined by the air pressure and the amount of air enclosed.
a) Low Pressure Pneumatic Tires
2) Foam Filled Pneumatic Tyres (also called Superelastic Tyres)
Foam Filled Pneumatic Tyres are exactly what the name implies. It is a Pneumatic Tyre but instead of the air filling, it is filled by a foam. They consist of the following components:
Advantages:
3) Solid Rubber Tyres
Solid Rubber Tyres - as the name implies - are tyres made entirely from rubber mounted directly to the rim. They offer very little shock absorption and normally have no profile. They offer the following advantages:
Shock absorption and driving comfort are minimal. These tyres should be used with driving speeds up to 10 miles only. They can be used on solid grounds with sufficient capacity.
4) Polyurethane Tyres
Polyurethane Tyres - also known as Vulkollan Tyres - are solid tyres with the artificial rubber (polyurethane) cured directly to the steel body. Since the polyurethane is very tough, the capacity is about double that of rubber. Polyurethane tyres are also non-marking tyres. They can be used in indoor operations with smooth clean floors.
Disadvantages:
1) Pneumatic Tyres
Pneumatic Tyres - same as found in automobiles - are mounted on a rim and filled with air. The type of the tire depends on the required capacity and the needed size. The capacity is determined by the air pressure and the amount of air enclosed.
a) Low Pressure Pneumatic Tires
- • low ground pressure, high shock absorption, good driving comfort.
- • especially suited for poor and rough surfaces
- • high ground pressure and low shock absorption
- • only suitable on solid grounds
2) Foam Filled Pneumatic Tyres (also called Superelastic Tyres)
Foam Filled Pneumatic Tyres are exactly what the name implies. It is a Pneumatic Tyre but instead of the air filling, it is filled by a foam. They consist of the following components:
- • the tyre rim - same as for pneumatic tyres
- • the foam cushion - filled into the cavity of the pneumatic tyre under pressure
- • the regular pneumatic tyre with suitable profile.
Advantages:
- • no more flat tyres
- • no maintenance
- • especially suited where high stability is required
3) Solid Rubber Tyres
Solid Rubber Tyres - as the name implies - are tyres made entirely from rubber mounted directly to the rim. They offer very little shock absorption and normally have no profile. They offer the following advantages:
- • small in size but with high carrying capacity
- • high stability for the truck
- • the least rolling resistance
Shock absorption and driving comfort are minimal. These tyres should be used with driving speeds up to 10 miles only. They can be used on solid grounds with sufficient capacity.
4) Polyurethane Tyres
Polyurethane Tyres - also known as Vulkollan Tyres - are solid tyres with the artificial rubber (polyurethane) cured directly to the steel body. Since the polyurethane is very tough, the capacity is about double that of rubber. Polyurethane tyres are also non-marking tyres. They can be used in indoor operations with smooth clean floors.
Disadvantages:
- • low shock absorption
- • minimal driving comfort
- • not suitable for high driving speeds