Forklift Tire Types Explained: Cushion vs Pneumatic Tires for Sit-Down Models
August 04, 2025 - Last modified: August 4, 2025 @ 11:59 amQuick Summary:
The type of tire you choose for your sit-down forklift affects everything from safety to maneuverability to maintenance costs. This guide compares cushion tires vs. pneumatic tires for sit-down rider forklifts, helping warehouse managers and fleet buyers make the right decision based on use case and environment.
Compare Quotes On Sit-Down Forklifts by Tire Types
Get Free QuotesThe Two Main Sit-Down Forklift Tire Types
There are 2 common forklift tire types used for sit-down forklift trucks: cushion tires and pneumatic tires. The main difference between the two is how they are made.
Cushion tires are made from solid rubber, and are attached directly to the metal rim of the wheel. Pneumatic tires are filled with air and closely resemble those that are found on cars.
Both tires are made differently to serve a unique purpose.
| Tires Type | Composition | Surface Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushion Tires | Solid rubber | Flat, level surfaces | Indoor, smooth concrete floors |
| Pneumatic Tires | Air | Rough or mixed terrain | Outdoor, uneven terrain |
| *Solid Pneumatic Tires | Solid rubber | Rough or mixed terrain | Scrap yards with sharp debris |
“Cushion tires are perfect for tight warehouse turns. But for outdoor work, pneumatic tires provide the durability and clearance you need.”
— Jared Coleman, Safety Supervisor, Skyway Fulfillment
What Are Cushion Tires?
Despite their name, cushion tires aren’t light or fluffy. They’re made from solid rubber that’s pressed directly onto the wheel. These types of tires work best on smooth, paved surfaces, which limits their usage to mainly indoor facilities.
Since they’re made from solid rubber, cushion tires are low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about refilling them with air, and there’s a much slimmer chance of punctures or flats.
They are available in smooth or treaded versions (which are sometimes called “traction tires”). The treaded versions give operators better control when driving over wet or slippery surfaces.
In general, cushion tire sit-down forklifts are considered indoor forklifts because they struggle to maneuver on uneven surfaces. They sit lower to the ground, which minimizes their turning radius and makes them the best choice for narrow aisles.
Pros:
- Smaller turning radius (great for narrow aisles)
- Lower cost and maintenance
- Best grip on indoor surfaces
- Smoother ride on polished floors
Cons:
- Not designed for outdoor use
- Poor traction on gravel or uneven surfaces
What Are Pneumatic Tires?
Pneumatic tires are standard air-filled tires, similar to the ones used on cars. They are designed for rugged, indoor and outdoor applications, and offer great stability over dirt, gravel, and other uneven surfaces.
By nature, they are larger than cushion tires, so sit-down pneumatic tire forklifts have a higher ground clearance – another reason they’re ideal for maneuvering over rough terrain.
Some pneumatic tires are made from solid rubber. You might be thinking, “doesn’t that just make them cushion tires?” The answer is no. They might not be filled with air, but solid pneumatic forklift tires are the same size and have the same tread of standard air-filled tires, so they still give operators an advantage in harsh environments.
Since they’re filled with rubber, solid pneumatic tires are great for working in recycling center, lumberyards, and other industries with sharp debris because they’re less resistant to punctures.
Equipment with pneumatic tires are largely regarded as outdoor forklifts, but they can be used indoors.
Pros:
- Excellent shock absorption
- Higher ground clearance
- Designed for rough outdoor surfaces
- Handles inclines and gravel lots
Cons:
- More expensive to replace
- Not ideal for tight indoor spaces
- Higher maintenance for air-filled versions
Solid vs. Air Pneumatic Tires
| Type | Pros | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Pneumatic | No flats, long lifespan | Heavy-duty warehouses |
| Air Pneumatic | Softer ride, better traction | Construction yards |
How To Choose The Right Forklift Tires
Choosing the right forklift tires comes down to how you’ll be using them. The easiest way to narrow your options is to consider your work environment. We’ve broken down our top recommendations based on industries and surface type below:
Forklift Tire Type Selection by Industry & Work Environment
| Industry | Work Environment | Recommended Tire Type |
|---|---|---|
| General Warehousing | Paved Floors | Cushion |
| Beverage & Food Distribution | Paved Floors | Cushion |
| Construction & Lumber Yards | Rough Terrain | Pneumatic |
| Recycling/Waste Facilities | Uneven, Debris-Covered | Solid Pneumatic |
| Cold Storage | Paved, Slippery Floors | Cushion (Traction Tires) |
Forklift Tire Costs
Forklift tire costs vary based on the type of tire you have to buy and where you're buying them from. On average, cushion tires cost less to replace because they are cheaper to manufacture than pneumatics.
Average Costs of Forklift Tires
| Tire Type | Average Replacement Cost (Per Set) |
|---|---|
| Cushion Tires | $500 – $800 |
| Pneumatic (Air-filled) | $800 – $1,200 |
| Solid Pneumatic | $1,000 – $1,600 |
Get Forklift Quotes Based on Your Facility’s Flooring
Not sure which tire fits your operating requirements? Let Forklift Inventory match you with dealers offering forklifts built for your terrain.
Compare Forklift Quotes By Tire TypeFAQs About Forklift Tire Types
Generally no. You can only switch tire types if the forklift frame and axle are compatible. Not all models allow tire conversion.
Pneumatic tires are the best hybrid solution for mixed indoor/outdoor use. They are great for navigating rough terrain outdoors, but they may reduce turning efficiency in narrow aisle warehouses.
Yes, cushion tires are typically $300–$800 less per set and require less frequent replacement. But keep in mind, their limited to just indoors. If you need a hybrid indoor/outdoor solution, pneumatic tires can maneuver over rough terrains.
Most last between 2,000–5,000 hours depending on the floor condition and workload. Cushion tire sit-down forklifts generally have a longer lifespan since they're limited to indoor uses. Some cushion tires can last up to 10,000 hours until needing to be replaced.
Choosing the right tire types for your forklift directly impacts operator safety and efficiency. Using cushion tire forklifts on rough, gravel surfaces can reduce your control of forklift handling and lead to excessive wear on the tires. Choosing pneumatic tires for mainly indoor uses could be an excessive cost that reduces maneuverability.
It's important to understand the pros, cons, and best-use cases for each forklift tire type so that you can choose a model that supports your needs.
Compare Forklift Prices
Forklift Inventory has the largest online selection of forklifts, aerial lifts and construction forklifts. Compare new and used forklifts to get the lowest prices available.