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SALES@FORKLIFTTIRE.COMChoosing the right forklift tire is one of the fastest ways to reduce downtime, avoid wrong orders, and improve long-term operating cost. The right choice depends on your forklift type, floor or yard conditions, load demands, and whether you need ride comfort, flat-proof uptime, or low rolling resistance.
If you're comparing types of forklift tires, the sections below outline key forklift tire materials and constructions so you can match your application.
Use this page to identify the right tire construction first, then shop by size.
Jump to: Start Here | Shop by Equipment | Comparison Chart | Pneumatic Tube-Type | Resilient Solid | Cushion Rubber Press-Ons | Polyurethane Press-Ons | Find Your Size | Full Sets | When to Replace
Not Sure What Tire Type You Need?
Start with these 3 questions:
- Does your forklift use pneumatic-style rims or press-on tires?
- Do you run on smooth indoor floors, outdoor surfaces, or both?
- Is your priority ride comfort, flat-proof uptime, or low rolling resistance?
Need help before ordering? Contact us with your tire size, forklift model, and work environment →
Start Here: Choose the Right Forklift Tire Category
Pneumatic Tube-Type or Resilient Solid
Best for forklifts that use pneumatic-style split-rim or lockring wheels. Common in mixed indoor/outdoor use, yards, rough concrete, asphalt, and debris-prone environments.
- Choose Pneumatic Tube-Type for ride comfort and mixed-surface flexibility — installs with hand tools, no press needed
- Choose Resilient Solid for flat-proof uptime and longer service life — requires a hydraulic press to mount on the wheel
Cushion Rubber Press-On Tires
Best for cushion forklifts operating on smooth warehouse floors. These solid rubber tires are bonded to a steel band and are built for indoor concrete applications.
- Good for smooth indoor surfaces
- Available in black and non-marking rubber compounds
- Requires a hydraulic press for installation
Polyurethane Press-On Tires
Best for electric forklifts and warehouse equipment where low rolling resistance, long wear, and non-marking performance are important.
- Low rolling resistance for electric applications
- Non-marking by nature
- Requires a hydraulic press for installation
Know Your Equipment? Shop by Machine Type
If you know what machine you are buying tires for but are not sure which tire construction to choose, start here. Each equipment page shows only the tires and sets that fit your machine type.
Pneumatic-Type Forklift
Outdoor yards, loading docks, mixed surfaces. Pneumatic tube-type and resilient solid tire sets.
Cushion Press-On Forklift
Smooth warehouse floors and indoor concrete. Rubber and non-marking press-on tire sets.
Skid Steer Loader
Construction, demolition, landscaping. Flat-proof solid tires for bobcats and skid steers.
Telehandler
Reach and lift applications on jobsites. Pneumatic and aperture solid tire options.
Aerial Lift
Scissor lifts and boom lifts. Non-marking and standard compound mold-on solid tires.
Compact Track Loader
Rubber tracks for CTLs and tracked mini excavators.
Browse All Equipment Categories →
Quick Comparison: Forklift Tire Types at a Glance
| Feature | Pneumatic Tube-Type | Resilient Solid | Cushion Rubber Press-On | Polyurethane Press-On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-Proof | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best Surface | Mixed / outdoor | Mixed / debris-prone | Smooth indoor | Smooth indoor |
| Ride Comfort | Best | Firm | Moderate | Firm |
| Rolling Resistance | Moderate | Higher | Moderate | Lowest |
| Non-Marking Available | Limited | Yes | Yes | All |
| Service Life | Moderate | Long | Moderate | Long |
| Typical Equipment | Pneumatic forklifts, telehandlers | Pneumatic forklifts, skid steers | Cushion forklifts | Electric forklifts, pallet jacks |
| Wheel Type | Split-rim or lockring | Split-rim or lockring | Flat-base press-on wheel | Flat-base press-on wheel |
| Installation | Hand tools + tire cage for inflation | Hydraulic press required | Hydraulic press required | Hydraulic press required |
Installation note: Resilient solid, cushion rubber, and polyurethane press-on tires all require a hydraulic press for installation. If you do not have access to press equipment, consider pre-mounted tire and wheel assemblies that ship ready to bolt on. Pneumatic tube-type tires do not require a press but must be inflated inside a tire cage for safety.
No Press? We Offer Mobile Tire Pressing Services
If you do not have access to a hydraulic press, our mobile pressing and press-shop services can install your solid tires on-site or at a nearby facility. Mobile tire pressing is currently available in the following areas:
Contact us to schedule mobile pressing or ask about availability in your area →
Simple rule: Pneumatic = comfort. Solid = uptime. Cushion = indoor warehouse. Poly = electric efficiency and non-marking performance.
Step 1: Choose the Right Forklift Tire Construction
Common forklift tire materials include rubber compounds and polyurethane, each optimized for different surfaces, loads, and performance goals.
Pneumatic Tube-Type (TTF)
Pneumatic Tube-Type forklift tires use a tire, inner tube, and liner flap and are built for forklifts that use pneumatic-style split-rim or lockring wheels. The air-filled design provides cushioning and flexibility, making them a strong choice for mixed indoor and outdoor use, uneven surfaces, and applications where ride comfort matters.
- Best for mixed surfaces and light debris
- Provides the most ride comfort and shock absorption of any forklift tire type
- Available in multiple ply ratings (8PR, 14PR, 16PR, 20PR, 28PR) for different load requirements
- Uses a three-part assembly: tire casing, inner tube, and liner flap
- Can go flat if punctured — not suited for severe debris environments
- Installation uses hand tools and a tire cage for inflation — no hydraulic press needed
Tube & flap note: When ordering pneumatic tube-type tires, make sure you have the correct inner tube and liner flap for your tire size and valve stem configuration. Some sets on this site include the inner tube and liner flap. Check the product listing to confirm what is included.
Shop Pneumatic Tube-Type Forklift Tires →
Resilient Solid (Flat-Proof)
Resilient solid forklift tires are flat-proof, solid rubber tires built in a pneumatic-shaped profile. They mount on the same split-rim or lockring wheels as pneumatic tires but eliminate all puncture risk. They are commonly chosen where uptime matters more than ride softness and where flats create unnecessary downtime.
- Flat-proof — no tubes, no air, no punctures
- Available in black and non-marking rubber compounds
- Strong choice for debris-prone environments, scrap yards, and recycling operations
- Longer service life than pneumatic tires in demanding operations
- Firmer ride than pneumatic tires — less shock absorption on rough surfaces
- Requires a hydraulic press to mount onto the wheel — professional installation or press equipment needed
No press equipment? Consider pre-mounted tire and wheel assemblies that ship ready to bolt on, or ask about our mobile tire pressing services available in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas/Waco, Knoxville, and Miami.
Shop Resilient Solid Forklift Tires →
Cushion Rubber Press-On Tires
Cushion rubber press-on tires are solid rubber tires bonded to a steel band and pressed onto industrial wheels using a hydraulic press. These are commonly used on cushion forklifts operating on smooth warehouse floors and concrete surfaces.
- Solid rubber bonded to a steel baseband
- Common on cushion-designated forklifts — not compatible with pneumatic-style rims
- Available in black and non-marking rubber compounds
- Designed for smooth indoor surfaces — not intended for rough outdoor use
- Requires a hydraulic press for installation
Shop Cushion Rubber Press-On Tires →
Polyurethane Press-On Tires
Polyurethane press-on tires are also bonded to a steel band, but use polyurethane compounds rather than rubber. They are commonly used on electric forklifts and warehouse equipment where low rolling resistance, long wear, and floor protection matter. Polyurethane compounds include SPS Soft Ride (88A durometer) for smoother ride and Hyload (95A durometer) for heavier loads.
- Low rolling resistance — extends battery life on electric equipment
- Common in electric warehouse equipment, pallet jacks, and order pickers
- Non-marking by nature — safe for clean-floor environments
- Often longer-wearing than rubber in the right application
- Grouped by inside diameter (ID) on this site — from 4" through 30"
- Requires a hydraulic press for installation
Shop Polyurethane Press-On Tires →
Step 2: Match the Tire to Your Environment
- Outdoor or mixed surfaces: Pneumatic Tube-Type or Resilient Solid
- Debris-prone environments (scrap, recycling, demolition): Resilient Solid
- Smooth indoor warehouse floors: Cushion Rubber Press-On or Polyurethane Press-On
- Regulated or clean-floor facilities (food, pharma): Non-marking rubber or polyurethane options
- Need ride cushioning on rough surfaces: Pneumatic Tube-Type
- Need flat-proof uptime: Resilient Solid, Cushion, or Polyurethane (all solid — all require a hydraulic press)
- Need lower rolling resistance for electric equipment: Polyurethane Press-On
- No access to press equipment: Pneumatic Tube-Type (no press needed), pre-mounted tire and wheel assemblies, or ask about our mobile tire pressing services
Step 3: Forklift Tire Size Chart — Identify Your Size
Forklift tire sizes can appear in more than one format. For example, 29x8-15 and 7.00-15 refer to the same size class. Press-on tires typically use an OD x width x ID format such as 21x7x15.
Always verify the size molded on your current tire sidewall or stamped on your existing tire and wheel assembly before ordering.
For tips on how to measure forklift tires, record overall diameter (OD), width, and inside diameter (ID) and cross-reference the formats below with your current assemblies.
- 7.00-12 = pneumatic-style size (tire width x rim diameter)
- 28x9-15 = pneumatic-style size in alternate format (OD x width - rim)
- 18x8x12-1/8 = press-on size (OD x width x ID)
If you are unsure whether your tire is pneumatic-style or press-on, stop and verify before ordering. These two tire types use different wheels and are not interchangeable.
Step 4: Start Shopping by Tire Type and Size
Resilient Solids & Pneumatics
Shop Pneumatic Tube-Type and Resilient Solid forklift tires by size for forklifts that use pneumatic-style rims.
8" Rim: 2.00x8 · 4.00x8 · 5.00x8 · 15x4.5-8 · 16x5-8 · 16x6-8 · 18x7-8 · 18x9-8
9" Rim: 21x8-9 · 6.00x9 · 140/55x9
10" Rim: 23x9-10 · 6.50x10 · 7.50x10
12" Rim: 23x10-12 · 27x10-12 · 315/45x12 · 7.00x12
15" Rim: 2.50x15 · 3.00x15 · 5.50x15 · 7.50x15 · 8.25x15 · 355/50x15 · 355/65x15 · 29x8-15 (7.00x15) · 28x9-15 (8.15x15) · 28x12-15 · 28x12.5x15 · 32x12.1-15
16" Rim: 6.50x16 · 7.50x16 · 8.00x16
Cushion Rubber Press-Ons
Shop rubber cushion press-on tires by OD x width x ID for cushion forklifts and smooth-floor warehouse applications.
4" Hub: 8 1/2x4x4
5" Hub: 9x5x5 · 10x4x5 · 10 1/2x5x5 · 10 1/2x6x5
Polyurethane Press-Ons
Shop polyurethane press-on tires by inside diameter (ID). Each category groups standard and fractional ID variations together.
Poly by ID: 4" · 5" · 6" · 7" · 8" · 9" · 10" · 11" · 12" · 14" · 15" · 16" · 17" · 20" · 22" · 28" · 30"
For example, a 9x5x5-3/4 polyurethane press-on is grouped under the 5" ID category.
Step 5: Need a Full Forklift Tire Set?
If you are replacing all the tires on the truck instead of shopping single replacements, use the bundled set categories below. Each set includes 2 drive tires and 2 steer tires sized for your forklift.
- Shop Pneumatic-Type Forklift Tire Sets →
- Shop Cushion Press-On Forklift Tire Sets →
- Shop Tire & Wheel Assembly Sets (no press needed) →
Replacing all tires at once? Bundled sets can simplify fitment and help keep wear more consistent across the truck. Save 7.5% on 2–3 items | Save 15% on 4+ items.
Step 6: Confirm Load Requirements and Fitment
Load capacity must match or exceed your forklift's operating demands. Pneumatic Tube-Type tires vary by ply rating (PR) — a higher ply rating means a stronger casing that supports more weight. Resilient solid and press-on tires are engineered around specific load and wear characteristics based on their compound and dimensions.
Before ordering, confirm:
- Tire size — verify from the sidewall or existing tire markings
- Tire construction — pneumatic, resilient solid, cushion press-on, or polyurethane press-on
- Compound — black, non-marking, or specialty where applicable
- Wheel or rim style — split-rim, lockring, or press-on wheel
- Indoor, outdoor, or mixed-surface use
- Press equipment access — resilient solid, cushion, and polyurethane tires all require a hydraulic press
Verify exact tire size and fitment before ordering. It is much easier to verify fitment first than to correct a wrong tire after purchase.
When to Replace Forklift Tires
Wondering how long do forklift tires last? Lifespan varies based on load, surface conditions, driving habits, and compound. Use the guidelines below to schedule proactive replacements.
- Cushion press-on tires: Replace when approximately 2 inches of rubber have worn away, or when handling and stability are affected. Look for a wear line molded into the tire — when tread reaches this line, the tire needs replacing.
- Resilient solid tires: Replace when wear, chunking, or flat spots affect stability and ride. Uneven wear may indicate alignment or overloading issues.
- Pneumatic Tube-Type tires: Replace when tread is worn below safe depth, the casing is cracked or damaged, or punctures become an ongoing issue. Also replace the inner tube and liner flap during tire changes.
- Polyurethane press-ons: Replace when wear, chunking, or delamination from the steel band affects handling, traction, or uptime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell if my forklift needs pneumatic-style tires or press-on tires?
Check your wheel style and the size format on your current tires. Pneumatic tube-type and resilient solid tires mount on split-rim or lockring wheels (pneumatic-style rims). Cushion rubber and polyurethane press-ons mount on flat-base press-on wheels and are not compatible with pneumatic-style rims. Size formats also provide clues: pneumatic-style sizes look like 7.00-12 or 28x9-15, while press-on sizes use OD x width x ID, such as 18x8x12-1/8 or 21x7x15. If you're unsure, verify what's molded on the sidewall or stamped on the wheel before ordering — these tire families are not interchangeable.
Which tire type should I choose for my environment and priorities?
Match tire construction to where and how you run, and what you value most. Mixed indoor/outdoor or rough yards with ride comfort priority: choose Pneumatic Tube-Type (air-filled, best cushioning, can go flat in sharp debris). Debris-prone, uptime-critical operations: choose Resilient Solid (flat-proof, longer service life, firmer ride). Smooth indoor warehouse floors on cushion forklifts: choose Cushion Rubber Press-Ons (solid rubber, black or non-marking compounds). Electric forklifts and warehouse equipment needing low rolling resistance and non-marking: choose Polyurethane Press-Ons (non-marking by nature, often longer-wearing, offered in SPS Soft Ride 88A and Hyload 95A). Simple rule: Pneumatic = comfort. Solid = uptime. Cushion = indoor warehouse. Poly = electric efficiency and non-marking performance.
Do I need a hydraulic press to install my tires, and what if I don't have one?
Resilient solid, cushion rubber press-on, and polyurethane press-on tires all require a hydraulic press to mount. If you don't have press access, you have three options: choose Pneumatic Tube-Type tires (they install with hand tools and inflate in a tire cage), order pre-mounted tire and wheel assemblies that ship ready to bolt on, or use our mobile tire pressing services available in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas/Waco, Knoxville, and Miami.
How do I read forklift tire sizes and confirm fitment and load capacity?
Always start with what's molded on your current tire or stamped on the assembly. Common formats include pneumatic-style (7.00-12 for width x rim diameter, or 28x9-15 for OD x width - rim) and press-on (18x8x12-1/8 or 21x7x15 for OD x width x ID). Before ordering, verify tire size, construction type, compound (black or non-marking), wheel or rim style, and whether you operate indoors, outdoors, or mixed. For load capacity, Pneumatic Tube-Type tires vary by ply rating (8PR through 28PR) — higher ply rating supports more weight. Solid and press-on tires are engineered for specific load and wear characteristics based on compound and dimensions.
When should I replace my forklift tires?
Replace based on wear, damage, and stability. Cushion press-on tires: when roughly 2 inches of rubber have worn away or the tread reaches the molded wear line. Resilient solid tires: when wear, chunking, or flat spots affect stability or ride. Pneumatic Tube-Type tires: when tread is below safe depth, the casing is cracked or damaged, or punctures become frequent — also replace the inner tube and liner flap during tire changes. Polyurethane press-ons: when wear, chunking, or delamination from the steel band affects handling, traction, or uptime. Replacing all four at once can simplify fitment and keep wear even.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are unsure which forklift tire is correct for your equipment, send your tire size, forklift model, and work environment. We can help narrow down the right option before you order.
Contact Us for Help Choosing the Right Forklift Tire →
Call us directly: 1 (866) 313-2180
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Verify exact tire size and fitment before ordering. Need help? Call 1 (866) 313-2180.