1 (866) 313-2180
SALES@FORKLIFTTIRE.COMPress-On Forklift Tires
Press-on forklift tires are solid industrial tires designed to mount onto flat-base press-on wheels using a hydraulic press. Each tire consists of a precision-machined steel band permanently bonded to either a rubber cushion compound or a polyurethane compound. This interference fit ensures secure retention, stability under load, and long-term durability in warehouse and industrial environments.
Press-on tires are commonly used on electric forklifts and indoor material handling equipment where consistent performance, low maintenance, and floor protection are essential.
How Press-On Tires Are Measured
Press-on forklift tires are measured by overall diameter × width × inside diameter (wheel size). For example, a 21x7x15 tire measures approximately 21 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and presses onto a 15-inch wheel. After accounting for the bonded 3/8" steel ring base, the remaining material represents the usable rubber or polyurethane compound.
Rubber Cushion vs Polyurethane Press-On Tires
Press-on forklift tires are available in two primary compound types, each engineered for specific operating conditions.
| Feature | Rubber Cushion Press-On | Polyurethane Press-On |
|---|---|---|
| Compound | Solid rubber bonded to steel ring | Solid polyurethane bonded to steel ring |
| Ride Comfort | More forgiving with built-in shock absorption | Firmer ride with minimal flex |
| Rolling Resistance | Moderate | Low (ideal for electric forklifts) |
| Marking | Available in standard black or non-marking | Naturally non-marking |
| Wear Life | Strong general-purpose durability | Excellent wear in clean indoor environments |
| Heat Build-Up | Handles general warehouse heat conditions | Reduced heat build-up under continuous operation |
| Freezer Applications | Suitable depending on compound | Commonly preferred for cold storage environments |
| Best For | General warehouse & mixed industrial use | Clean warehouses & electric forklift fleets |
Rubber Cushion Press-On Tires
Rubber press-on tires, commonly referred to as cushion tires, provide built-in shock absorption due to the natural flexibility of the rubber compound. This helps reduce operator fatigue and allows for smoother performance in general warehouse operations.
Rubber cushion tires are available in:
-
Standard Black — Durable compound for general industrial use.
-
Non-Marking — Grey or light-colored compounds designed for clean or regulated environments.
For optimal performance, cushion tires are typically replaced once approximately 2 inches of rubber have worn away.
Polyurethane Press-On Tires
Polyurethane press-on tires feature a higher durometer (hardness) compound that reduces rolling resistance and heat buildup. These tires are ideal for electric forklifts operating on smooth, clean warehouse floors.
Polyurethane tires are naturally non-marking and available in multiple compound formulations engineered for specific load capacities and operating conditions. Their firmness provides excellent stability under load and extended wear life in controlled indoor environments.
Due to their higher hardness, polyurethane tires provide a firmer ride and may be more susceptible to edge damage if exposed to debris or sharp impacts. In clean warehouse environments, however, they deliver consistent performance and long service life.
Choosing the Right Press-On Forklift Tire
Selecting the correct press-on tire depends on load capacity, floor conditions, marking requirements, equipment type, and operating environment. Rubber cushion tires provide greater impact absorption, while polyurethane tires offer reduced rolling resistance and enhanced efficiency for electric forklift fleets.
Browse available sizes below or shop by compound type to find the correct press-on forklift tire for your application.