News from the Cromer Team

Tire selection is vital to lift truck operation. Demanding applications require the proper tire for a forklift's reliable performance. How do you choose the right tire? What tread and compound do you need?

Let me share some information about 2 types of forklift tires: Cushion Type and Pneumatic/Solid Type.

CUSHION TYPE TIRES

Cushion Tread

The rule of thumb is:

Steer Tires - Always use a smooth tread.

Drive Tires - Use smooth tread when possible.

Smooth tire tread is the choice for most applications because smooth treads:

• Contain more rubber, for a longer service life
• Have a flat profile for greater stability
• Give a larger footprint for better traction
• Provide more effective cushioning, making a safer ride
• Resists cutting and chunking

If that's true, why do new lift trucks ship with traction tread?

Traction tread tires are installed by most manufacturers because they:

• Cost less to OEMs
• Are perceived to provide better traction
• Look rugged and dependable

Cushion Compound

Cushion tires are not just "black and round". Physical properties may be published by manufacturers. If they aren't published, a tire manufacturer can use lower cost rubber and additives for a cheaper and inconsistent product. Only MITL publishes specific physical properties.

There are two types of compound:

1. Universal Compound

• Designed for basic forklift cushion tires
• Formulated with standard quality rubber and additives
• Priced competitively
• Few problems in low- to medium-use applications
• Resists abrasion

2. Electric Compound (The best cushion tire to buy!)

• Lower rolling resistance o Formulated with high quality rubber and additives
• Runs cooler
• Resists tearing and chunking due to higher elongation
• Constructed of a softer material, protecting the equipment, operator, and load

PNEUMATIC/SOLID TYPE TIRES

With pneumatic tires, you have 3 choices on which type to use.

1. Softuff Solid Pneumatic

• Long wearing, scuff-resistant tread
• Cushion-rubber center reduces load damage
• Steel reinforced base provides absolute rim adherence
• Greater ground clearance
• Diameter meets/exceeds global size and safety standards
• Zero-maintenance solid tire
• Concave sidewalls increase deflection, reducing equipment and driver fatigue

2. Softstandard

• Long wear, greater ground clearance and increased stability
• Constructed with a 70/30 rubber-to-friction stock ratio
• Precision interference fit helps eliminate spinning
• Rugged tread design provides maximum traction on all surfaces
• Concave sidewall improves shock absorption

3. MPC Type - Black and Round

Very popular because of its price

• European-type size which has less tread
• Soft riding center compound increases shock absorption
• Provides an economical solution for good tires

Ask Cromer what tire works best for your application. We're happy to help!