Judging by the name, you may think that pneumatic forklifts operate via pneumatic power. If you’re speaking of their lifting potential, though, this would be incorrect. Instead, these forklifts actually get their names because of their pneumatic tires.
The tires on a pneumatic forklift can actually help them lift a bit more than other versions. That, plus their overall construction, allows these machines to lift about twice as much as alternative models despite being about the same size.
These tires generally come in two main versions: radial and bias. Either way, they’re shaped just like a standard tire is, but have a large air band inside them. Other forklift tires carry rubber inserts and metal bands inside theirs.
Bias tires have crisscrossed cords inside them that form their shape. They tend to last a lot less long when compared to the radial kind, but this also means they’re much cheaper.
Radial tires feature bands that run the circumference in a straight line. Though they’re more expensive, that price tag means a longer life, less fuel demands, improved traction and increased lifting power. Depending on the model, a pneumatic forklift with radial tires can lift as much as 15,000 pounds. Some can easily lift 30,000.
No matter which kind of tire you decide on, your company will benefit from purchasing a pneumatic forklift. Whether it’s 5,000 or 30,000 pounds, it’s still a lot more lifting power than any of your employees can muster. Yet, it can transport that much product way faster than your staff and without as many safety risks involved.
If you want to know more about the benefits of this particular forklift, call Ri-Go Lift Truck today at 1-800-263-7580. For 37 years, this Canadian owned company has been supplying the country with all their material handling equipment needs.
