Common Uses for Cushion Tire Forklifts

A cushion tire forklift is a machine that is primarily used to lift various load capacities. Most load capacities sit between one and five tons, but some heavy-duty machines lift up to 50 tons. Cushion tire forklifts are used for: Warehouse Lifting, Manufacturing, Distribution, Construction, Demolition, and Military.

The loads of cushion tire forklifts are rated to determine maximum weight and center of gravity. The rated information is located on a data plate, and it is illegal in many locations to remove the plate or lift over the maximum weight. This is a safety function of forklifts as they could become unstable and tip over if the weight limit is exceeded. Forklifts can also tilt to protect the load from the risk of slipping.

Main Components for Cushion Tire Forklifts

Cushion tire forklifts have a truck frame on tires made of smooth, solid rubber that is fitted around a metal band. Cushion tires do not have much traction, so they are typically used indoors on smooth surfaces where traction will not cause a safety risk. In addition, cushion tires allow for smaller turning radius, so they are more helpful in smaller locations.
At the rear of the forklift is a counterweight that protects the cab from falling forward under the weight of the load, and on top of the forklift is an overhead guard that protects the operator from falling objects. The mast is the vertical assembly that raises and lowers the load, and is operated by hydraulic cylinders. Most cushion tire forklifts also have attachment options. While some come with the forks permanently attached, others can be interchanged. These attachments include: sideshifters, carton clamps, rotators, carpet poles, container handlers, and pole handlers.

Manufacturers & Models

When deciding between pneumatic tire forklifts and cushion tire forklifts there is one primary thing to consider:

Location

Pneumatic tire forklifts have a strong grip and are popular in rough terrains in locations such as construction sites, lumber yards, and outdoor warehouses. In comparison, cushion tire forklifts have the smooth surface tires that have a better turn radius for smaller spaces and better traction for indoor locations.

There are several popular manufacturers of cushion tire forklifts including Toyota, Hyster, Komatsu, Yale, and Nissan.

Top Cushion Tire Forklift Models

Manufacturer Equipment Specs