What is the difference between a pneumatic tire forklift, a cushion tire forklift, and a rough terrain forklift?
Because forklifts are generally categorized by the type of tire they have, many people refer to a forklift as either pneumatic tire, cushion tire, or rough terrain.
- Pneumatic tire forklifts are very popular because of their versatility. Although they are not as maneuverable as cushion tire forklifts, they still perform very well indoors. They also perform well outdoors, although rough terrain forklifts are better built for more extreme outdoor conditions. Pneumatic tire forklifts are can be obtained with almost any load capacity imaginable. They can be found from less than 2,000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds. Pneumatic tires are bigger than cushion tires and usually air-filled. Bigger tires allow better clearance and traction and the air filling provides for a softer ride. If puncturing tires is an issue in a workplace but pneumatic tires are mandatory, air-filled tires can be changed to a similar tire that is rubber all the way through, known as a pneumatic shaped solid. These tires last much longer, accomplish the traction and clearance of a pneumatic tire, and obviously do not puncture, but the soft ride is lost and expense is gained.
- The rough terrain forklift is most commonly used outdoors. Therefore, the well-earned name speaks for itself. These forklifts are made mainly for use on rough terrain, or in other extreme conditions. The oversize, air filled tires on this machine make it possible for it to operate in terrain that a pneumatic can not. The size of these machines makes them harder to maneuver, so a larger area is needed for comfortable operation of them. Although they are made for rough terrain, they are not made for extremely heavy loads. A rough terrain forklift rarely lifts over 12,000 pounds.
- The cushion tire forklift is almost solely for indoor use. Because of this, they are often electric-powered to eliminate exhaust build-up. They are more compact and, therefore, have much better maneuverability for use in smaller areas. The tires are made of solid rubber molded to a steel band. They are similar to solid tires on a pneumatic forklift, but they are specifically manufactured to fit a cushion tire forklift. Like a pneumatic tire forklift, the options for load capacity are almost endless.
What are the two types of rough terrain forklifts and how do they compare?
The two types of rough terrain forklifts are straight mast and telescopic boom.
- Straight mast rough terrain forklifts are probably the most common kind of rough terrain forklift. They have a straight mast on the front, only allowing the forks to move vertically. They also are made with large drive tires on the front and the motor and smaller steer tires toward the back. They can be obtained in either two or four wheel drive, and generally lift between 10 and 30 feet. As mentioned in the previous FAQ, rough terrain forklifts rarely lift over 12,000 pounds.
- Telescopic boom rough terrain forklifts, or telehandlers, are becoming increasingly popular. The telescoping boom makes this kind of forklift unique from all others. Also called a "squirting boom" or a "shooting boom", it increases lift heights up to 60 feet. The disadvantages sometimes outweigh the advantages in this particular forklift, as it requires a larger operating area and it is much more expensive than the original straight mast forklift.
What else should I look for when choosing a forklift?
Forklifts come in many shapes, sizes, colors, etc. and almost everyone needs a different forklift to properly accommodate their needs. First, decide how much money you would like to spend, which kind of tires you will need for your workplace (discussed above), and how heavy the loads are that you intend to lift with it. You can also determine the desired lift height, whether you will need electricity or fuel (if fuel than which type), and whether or not you will need sideshift. This should considerably narrow down your options and from here you should either begin looking on our Products page, or consult our knowledgeable staff via the Contact Us page to continue your search.
What should my forklift be powered by?
First of all, forklifts are most commonly powered by propane, gasoline, diesel, and electricity. There is also the option of having a combination of gasoline and propane, known as dual fuel. The type of power source you select is, like most other features of a forklift, determined by the situations it will be used in, and the customer's personal preference.
- Gasoline and diesel are very similar, although gas is much more popular. This is because diesel engines tend to be noisy, emit "dirtier" exhaust, harder to start in cold weather, and somewhat more expensive. Diesel is also often less readily available than gas. On the other hand, diesel boasts better fuel economy and longer lasting engine life. Therefore, if you only need a short-term machine, gas is most likely the best choice. Gasoline-powered forklifts generally emit cleaner exhaust, run more quietly, are cheaper, and start more quickly in cold weather than diesel. But, whether gas or diesel, the exhaust emitted is not clean enough to operate safely indoors for an extended amount of time. Because of this, they are often used in the same conditions.
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas powered forklifts, widely known as LPG or propane, is probably the most common power source in forklifts. It has earned this reputation because it is cleaner burning, easier on engines, and often more convenient because the cylinder of LPG that powers it can simply be replaced when it is empty. It is also popular because, although it is better to operate it outdoors, it can be operated in well-ventilated areas indoors.
- Electric-powered forklifts are used almost exclusively indoors. They are popular for indoor use because they do not emit exhaust. They are most often cushion-tired and built with a lower weight capacity. Because of their popularity indoors, they are much more maneuverable, making them useful in narrow aisles, or any other area with limited driving space. Electric forklifts can also be used outdoors, but only on hard smooth surfaces such as cement, as they tend to get stuck or hung up very easily.
How many "stages" should be on the mast of my forklift?
First of all, a stage of a mast is one section of the forklift's mast. The mast is split up into a specified amount of "stages", such as two-stage, three-stage or four-stage. Each stage is the height of the mast when it is lowered, and therefore, as they extend separately, they multiply the height of the mast. A graphic example of a three stage mast is shown below with each stage numbered.
Triple stage masts, as the one shown above, are particularly useful for working with loads at greater heights, but this is offset by the fact that it is more expensive than two stage and visibility is reduced courtesy of the cylinder centered in the middle of the mast, and the extra chains and hoses needed to operate it.
Two stage masts offer less expense and more visibility to account for the height disadvantage it has to a three stage mast. They are also capable of lifting more because there is less weight included in the mast. Two stage masts are available in two types of masts : two stage standard, and two stage full free lift. Two stage standard boasts higher visibility than the two stage full free lift, and it is much more economical, as it is less expensive. Unfortunately for some, problems are created when working with low overhead height. The forks and load go up to the top of the mast while the mast is raising. Therefore, the load is not always at the top of the mast, and the top of the mast may reach the overhead limits before the load reaches the desired height. If this poses a problem, the solution lies in the two stage full free lift. This mast is designed so the forks and load raise to the top of the mast before the mast begins going up. This eliminates problems with overhead, but creates lower visibility.
Four stage masts are available, although much less common than the other two discussed above. They are only needed for working with loads at very high heights. Visibility and load capacity are decreased with the addition of the extra stage, hoses, and chains. Stability is also decreased as the mast reaches greater heights.
Con Ag Equipment - Bismarck / Mandan, ND, 701-663-2662
"Your Forklift People"