Polyurethane Press-Ons

Polyurethane press-on forklift tires, commonly called poly tires, are solid polyurethane compounds bonded to a precision steel press-on ring. These tires mount onto flat-base industrial wheels using a hydraulic press.

Poly tires are commonly used on electric forklifts and warehouse equipment where low rolling resistance and non-marking performance are top priorities.

Shop by Inside Diameter of Press-On Tire

Polyurethane press-on tires are grouped by inside diameter (ID).

Each category includes all matching fractional ID sizes. Click a category below to start shopping.

How Polyurethane Tires Are Measured

Poly press-on tires are measured as OD × width × ID (overall diameter × width × inside diameter). For example, a 21x7x15 tire is approximately 21 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and presses onto a 15-inch wheel.

After accounting for the steel ring base, the remaining material represents the usable polyurethane compound.

Polyurethane Tire Basics

Polyurethane is harder than rubber cushion (a higher durometer). Tire makers credit it with lower rolling resistance and higher load capacity, and limit it to electric lift trucks on smooth concrete floors.

• Low rolling resistance for improved electric efficiency
• Non-marking by design for clean facilities
• Higher load capacity than rubber

Performance Characteristics

• Low Rolling Resistance — helps reduce energy use on electric forklifts
• Higher Load Capacity — higher than rubber, tire makers say
• Non-Marking Compound — for facilities where floor marks matter
• Cold Storage — Raymond lists siped and grooved polyurethane treads for damp, wet, cold storage and freezer floors

Because polyurethane is firmer than rubber, it gives a harder ride. On rough floors and debris, tire makers disagree about which compound holds up better.

Polyurethane vs Rubber Cushion

• Polyurethane: lower rolling resistance and non-marking performance on smooth indoor floors
• Rubber cushion: more shock absorption and a more forgiving ride

If your truck was built with rubber press-ons, see Rubber Cushion Press-On Tires.

Choosing a Poly Compound

Polyurethane tires are available in different compound formulations and hardness levels engineered for specific load capacities and operating conditions. Harder compounds generally tolerate heat and heavy loads better; softer compounds help traction and ride.

If your application involves unusual loads, extended run time, or specialized operating conditions, verify the correct compound before ordering.

Before Ordering

Before ordering, always confirm:

• Tire size (OD × width × ID)
• Wheel size / inside diameter
• That your truck was built with polyurethane press-ons
• Floor conditions (smoothness, debris, moisture)
• Load and operating intensity

Polyurethane press-on tires require a hydraulic press for installation. Verify exact tire size and fitment before ordering. If you are comparing press-on compounds, visit our Press-On Forklift Tires guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a polyurethane press-on forklift tire?

A polyurethane press-on tire is a solid polyurethane compound bonded to a precision steel ring that presses onto a forklift wheel. These tires are non-marking by design and provide low rolling resistance. Tire makers limit them to electric lift trucks on smooth concrete floors, mainly indoors.

What is the difference between polyurethane and rubber cushion forklift tires?

Polyurethane tires are harder and provide lower rolling resistance on smooth indoor floors. Rubber cushion tires are softer, absorb more shock, and work indoors and outdoors. On rough floors and debris, tire makers disagree about which compound holds up better. The truck decides the compound family: keep the one it was built with, and ask the truck maker before changing it.

How are polyurethane press-on tires measured?

Polyurethane press-on tires are measured as OD x width x ID (overall diameter x width x inside diameter). For example, a 21x7x15 tire is approximately 21 inches in overall diameter, 7 inches wide, and fits a 15-inch wheel. The inside diameter (ID) is the key measurement for matching the tire to your wheel.

Are polyurethane forklift tires non-marking?

Yes. Tire makers say polyurethane tires do not mark floors. One adds that a polyurethane tire can pick up dirt and lay it back down on a coated floor, which can look like marking. If your truck runs rubber press-ons, non-marking rubber is a separate compound.

What equipment uses polyurethane press-on tires?

Polyurethane press-on tires are commonly used on electric sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and other warehouse equipment that operates primarily on smooth indoor surfaces. Raymond, for one, lists polyurethane drive tires and load wheels for its pallet trucks, reach trucks, order pickers and tuggers.

Can I switch from rubber cushion to polyurethane tires?

None of the tire makers cited in our Polyurethane vs Rubber Press-On Tires guide says whether a rubber press-on can be swapped for a polyurethane one of the same size, so keep the compound family the truck was built with and ask the truck maker before changing it. Polyurethane also rides firmer, and tire makers limit it to smooth concrete floors. On rough floors and debris, tire makers disagree about which compound holds up better. Verify your tire size before you order.

Need more help choosing? See our Forklift Tire Buying Guide.

Delivered price shown is per product, plus any applicable sales tax. Save 7.5% when you order 2–3 items | Save 15% on 4+ items. Free ground freight to commercial addresses in the contiguous U.S.

Polyurethane press-on tires are non-marking by material and always require a hydraulic press to mount. No press equipment? We offer on-site mobile pressing and installation in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Waco–DFW, Knoxville, and Miami — or order pre-mounted assemblies with the tire pressed on a wheel.