Forklift tires aren't one-size-fits-all, and ordering the wrong size (or the wrong type for your floor surface) can mean poor traction, uneven wear, or a tire that simply won't fit your rim. This guide breaks down the tire types, how to read forklift tire sizing, and how to pick the right one for your application.
The Three Main Types of Forklift Tires
- Cushion tires – solid rubber tires pressed directly onto a steel band/rim, common on indoor forklifts running on smooth concrete floors. They have a lower profile, which reduces the forklift's overall height and turning radius.
- Solid pneumatic (solid resilient) tires – shaped like an air-filled tire but made of solid rubber, giving the cushioning of a pneumatic tire without the risk of a flat. Common for mixed indoor/outdoor use.
- Air pneumatic tires – traditional air-filled rubber tires, best suited for rough, outdoor, or uneven surfaces like gravel yards and construction sites, offering the most cushioning but requiring air pressure maintenance and carrying flat/puncture risk.
How to Read a Forklift Tire Size
Forklift tire sizes are typically written in one of two formats:
- Cushion tires: shown as diameter x width x rim diameter, for example 18x7x12½ — outer diameter, tire width, and rim diameter in inches.
- Pneumatic tires (solid or air): shown as width-aspect ratio-rim diameter, for example 6.50-10, similar to how automotive and light truck tires are sized, or sometimes width x rim diameter like 7.00x12.
The size is usually molded directly into the tire sidewall. If your old tire's sidewall is too worn to read, check your forklift's data plate or operator's manual, which typically lists the correct tire size for that model.
Matching Tires to Your Floor and Environment
- Smooth indoor concrete: cushion tires are the standard choice, offering a tight turning radius and no flat risk.
- Mixed indoor/outdoor, dock areas, light debris: solid pneumatic tires balance cushioning with flat-proof reliability.
- Gravel, dirt, rough yards, construction sites: air pneumatic tires provide the best traction and shock absorption, though they require regular pressure checks and are vulnerable to punctures.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Forklift Tires
- Visible cracking, chunking, or flat spots on the tread
- Tread worn down to the wear indicator or noticeably smooth
- Uneven wear across the tire width, which can point to alignment or inflation issues
- Vibration, rougher ride, or reduced stability during operation
- Visible separation between the rubber and the steel band (cushion tires) or casing damage (pneumatic tires)
Don't Forget the Wheel/Rim
When replacing tires, it's worth inspecting the wheel or rim at the same time, especially on split-rim wheels where rust, cracking, or a damaged lock ring can be a safety hazard during mounting. A tire is only as good as the rim it's mounted on.
Ordering the Right Tire the First Time
Before ordering, confirm three things: the tire type (cushion, solid pneumatic, or air pneumatic), the exact size from the sidewall or data plate, and whether you need a standard or non-marking (white/gray) compound if your facility requires it. Getting all three right the first time avoids a return trip and downtime.
Shop cushion, solid pneumatic, and air pneumatic tires, plus wheels and rims, in our Wheels/ Tires collection at JDLIFT PARTS - Wheels/ Tires.
Always consult your forklift's data plate or service manual to confirm the correct tire size and type for your specific model.