What Are Pneumatic Tires?

In construction jobs, tools such as a forklift makes the process quicker and easier for you. Similarly, using the right tire will make the use of a forklift much more efficient and reliable. Pneumatic tires are tires designed for forklifts to give the driver more grip on rough terrains and ensure that it does not crumble down under the weight.

If you are wondering what are pneumatic tires made of, they are essentially rubber tires used on various vehicles such as hand trucks, wheelbarrows, tractors, and more. Pneumatic tires have strong rubber tread patterns, improved shock absorption, and can stabilize the vehicle to reduce jolts and bumps.

What Are the Characteristics of Pneumatic Tires?

Pneumatic tires are much like car or truck tires and are usually used outdoors. These types of tires are either filled with air or are made entirely out of rubber and are more puncture-resistant. These tires are specifically designed to provide reliable performance on tough terrains with nails and other building materials lying around. Apart from being puncture-resistance, these are some of the important characteristics of pneumatic tires that will help you understand what are pneumatic tires used for:

• The ability to support the weight of the vehicle
• The ability to cushion the vehicle on irregular surfaces
• Providing reliable traction for driving and braking
• Ensuring good steering control and direction stability

These characteristics determine the durability and performance of pneumatic tires.

What Applications Utilize Pneumatic Tires?

Pneumatic tires are designed for construction vehicles and aim to deliver good performance in challenging terrains while carrying heavy loads. One of the most common applications of pneumatic tires is on forklifts, where having good weight-carrying capacity, robust construction to support that weight, and reliable traction to deliver good performance is necessary.

Some of the applications of pneumatic tires are:

• Electric Forklifts
• Heavy Duty Forklifts
• Electric Pallet Stackers
• Electric Pallet Jacks
• Wheelbarrows
• Hand Trucks
• Tractors

As one of the biggest benefits of pneumatic tires is the tire’s ability to absorb the unevenness of the surface, these applications are most suited for pneumatic tires. Moreover, these tires have a thicker tread which ensures a comfortable grip over rough terrains. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of pneumatic tires.

What Are the Benefits of Pneumatic Tires?

Now that we know what are pneumatic tires, let’s dive in a little deeper and understand what makes them so special. Here are a few benefits of pneumatic tires:

Shock Absorption

Shock absorption is one of the most essential benefits of pneumatic tires as going over bumpy roads can disrupt the material being carried and cause it to dislodge and fall. Pneumatic tires absorb this shock to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Reliable Grip

Pneumatic tires offer reliable grip on a variety of terrains such as concrete, roads, work yards, etc., as they can easily adapt to uneven surfaces. They are especially suitable for rock terrains, which are one of the tire’s major utilities. Moreover, they are puncture-resistant, giving the driver more flexibility when working on a construction site.

Less Noise

Pneumatic tires use a specialized rubber that makes them shock resistant and simultaneously reduces road noise. This feature helps to improve working conditions and reduce unwanted noise.

Floor-Friendly

Pneumatic tires, while generally being used outdoors, also offer superb performance indoors like in warehouses, stores, etc. as they do not damage the floor.

These are some of the benefits of pneumatic tires, which make them popular for construction vehicles.

What Are the Types of Pneumatic Tires?

Now that we know about the benefits of pneumatic tires, let’s take a look at different types of pneumatic tires. There are generally two types of pneumatic tires depending upon their construction.

Solid Pneumatics

Solid pneumatic tires are designed entirely of rubber and are generally more expensive than air pneumatic tires. They are more resistant to punctures and are suitable for outdoors.

Air Pneumatics

Air pneumatic tires are filled with air-like car tires and can work smoothly both inside and outside. They are more efficient in offering a smooth ride than solid pneumatics and can handle difficult terrains such as gravel.

Apart from these types of tires, you might have heard about semi pneumatic tires and wondered what are semi pneumatic tires. Semi pneumatic tires are inflated tires that have solid construction and are not pressurized, unlike pneumatic tires. The air in the tire is trapped within the tread design in the hollow cavity. If you are wondering what are non-pneumatic tires, they are airless tires generally used on small vehicles such as lawnmowers.

Pneumatic tires are used widely in construction sites because of their obvious advantages. Several tire manufacturers, such as Goodyear and Solideal, offer a wide range of pneumatic tires to choose from.