Press-On Forklift Tires

Press-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 bonded to either a rubber cushion or polyurethane compound.

These tires are used on forklifts and material handling equipment where low maintenance, floor protection, and consistent performance are critical.

Shop by Compound Type

How Press-On Tires Are Measured

Press-on forklift 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.

The bonded steel base is typically around 3/8" thick, with the remaining material representing the usable rubber or polyurethane compound.

Rubber Cushion vs Polyurethane Press-On Tires

Rubber Cushion Press-On Tires

Rubber press-on tires, commonly referred to as cushion tires, provide built-in shock absorption and a softer ride than polyurethane. These tires are available in two compounds:

A press-on is worn out when its outside diameter reaches the tire maker’s replacement overall diameter. Shop Cushion Rubber Press-Ons →

Polyurethane Press-On Tires

Polyurethane press-on tires, commonly referred to as poly tires, are harder than rubber (a higher durometer) and have lower rolling resistance.

• Lower energy use for electric forklifts
• Non-marking by design
• Higher load capacity than rubber

Tire makers limit polyurethane to electric lift trucks on smooth concrete floors. Shop Polyurethane Press-Ons →

Choosing a Press-On Tire

Start with the truck: keep the compound family it was built with. Here is how the two families compare:

• Floor conditions — polyurethane suits smooth concrete floors; on rough floors and debris, tire makers disagree about which compound holds up better
• Equipment type — polyurethane is limited to electric lift trucks; rubber is the usual press-on for propane and internal combustion forklifts, and some makers also make rubber press-ons for electric trucks
• Marking requirements — polyurethane does not mark floors, tire makers say; rubber cushion is available in black or non-marking
• Load and speed — polyurethane has higher load capacity; rubber absorbs more shock and sheds heat better at higher speed

Common Equipment Makes

Press-on forklift tires are commonly used on certain Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Clark, Crown, Mitsubishi, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Raymond, and UniCarriers forklifts that use press-on tire fitment.

Equipment make alone does not confirm fitment. Tire size, wheel configuration, and construction type must match your forklift.

Need Tire Sets Instead?

If you are replacing all tires on the truck at once, our Cushion Forklift Tire Sets bundle matched drive and steer sizes together for a simpler ordering process.

Before Ordering

Before ordering, always confirm:

• Tire size (OD × width × ID)
• Wheel size / inside diameter
• Compound type (rubber cushion or polyurethane)
• Application environment and floor conditions

Press-on tires require a hydraulic press for installation. Verify exact tire size and fitment before ordering. If you are unsure which tire matches your forklift, contact us for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a press-on forklift tire?

A press-on forklift tire is a solid tire bonded to a precision steel ring that mounts onto a flat-base forklift wheel using a hydraulic press. These tires are available in rubber cushion and polyurethane compounds. They are used on forklifts and material handling equipment where low maintenance, floor protection, and consistent performance are priorities.

What is the difference between rubber cushion and polyurethane press-on tires?

Rubber cushion press-on tires provide more shock absorption and a more forgiving ride. Polyurethane press-on tires are harder and deliver lower rolling resistance on smooth indoor floors. The truck decides the compound family: keep the one it was built with. On rough floors and debris, tire makers disagree about which compound holds up better.

How are press-on forklift tires measured?

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 presses onto a 15-inch wheel. The inside diameter must match your existing wheel.

Do press-on tires require special installation?

Yes. Press-on forklift tires must be installed and removed using a hydraulic tire press. The steel band is pressed onto the wheel, and the pressure of that press fit holds it in place. This is not a do-it-yourself installation — it requires professional equipment.

Can I switch from rubber cushion to polyurethane press-on 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.

What forklift brands use press-on tires?

Press-on tires are commonly used on certain forklifts from Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Clark, Crown, Mitsubishi, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Raymond, and UniCarriers. However, equipment make alone does not confirm fitment. Always verify your exact tire sizes and wheel type before ordering.

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

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