Using Cushion Tire Forklifts on Gravel Surfaces

[MikePhua]

Cushion tire forklifts are a popular choice in many indoor and paved applications due to their compact size and maneuverability. However, when tasked with operating on gravel surfaces—common outdoors or on construction sites—certain challenges arise. This article explores the considerations, benefits, and limitations of using cushion tire forklifts on gravel, offering practical advice and technical insights for operators and fleet managers.
Cushion Tires Explained

• Made from solid rubber bonded to metal rims, cushion tires provide a smooth and stable ride on hard, flat surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
  
• Their solid construction makes them resistant to flats or punctures and ideal for indoor warehouse or manufacturing floor operations.
  
• Cushion tires have a smaller overall diameter and lower ground clearance compared to pneumatic tires, contributing to a tighter turning radius and higher maneuverability in confined spaces.
  

Limitations on Gravel

• Cushion tires lack the deep tread pattern and shock absorption abilities required for effective operation on loose, uneven surfaces like gravel.
  
• The reduced traction can cause slippage, instability, and increased risk of tire “chunking” (pieces of rubber tearing away).
  
• Lower ground clearance increases the risk of tire damage and equipment bottoming out on uneven ground.
  
• Operational efficiency and safety may decline, especially when carrying heavy or bulky loads over rough terrain.
  

Pneumatic Tires vs. Cushion Tires

• Pneumatic tires, either air-filled or solid rubber, have large diameters with deeper treads, making them better suited for uneven outdoor surfaces including gravel.
  
• Their air chambers or solid rubber structure absorb shocks, providing operator comfort and reducing machine vibrations.
  
• Pneumatic tires improve traction on loose material, minimize tire wear, and help maintain load stability.
  
• On gravel, pneumatic tires improve safety by ensuring the forklift remains balanced and predictable during operation.
  

Practical Advice for Gravel Operation

• If a cushion tire forklift must operate on gravel, reduce speed, avoid sudden acceleration or sharp turns, and maintain light loads to minimize risk.
  
• Consider retrofitting with pneumatic tires or dedicated rough-terrain forklifts if gravel surfaces are part of regular operations.
  
• Keep cushion tire forklifts on compacted or paved paths around gravel areas where possible.
  
• Regular inspection for tire wear, cracking, or chunking is critical for safety and preventing downtime.
  
• Ensure operator training emphasizes the limitations of cushion tires on loose terrain and proper load management.
  

Technical Terms Explained

• Chunking: The tearing away of sections of rubber from solid tires due to rough surface impacts.
  
• Ground Clearance: The space between the bottom of the forklift chassis and the surface, affecting machine travel over uneven surfaces.
  
• Tread Pattern: The design of grooves and raised sections on tires influencing grip and traction.
  
• Load Stability: The forklift’s ability to keep its load balanced during movement.
  
• Maneuverability: The ease with which a forklift changes direction, particularly important in tight spaces.
  
• Pneumatic Tires: Tires that are air-filled or solid but shaped like car tires, designed for outdoors and rough surfaces.
  

A Relevant Story
On a construction site, a team attempted to use a cushion tire forklift to move materials across a gravel lot. The forklift struggled with grip, frequently slipping and causing mild load shifts. After switching to a pneumatic-tire-equipped forklift, the operation improved markedly, with smoother rides and fewer incidents of wheel spin, affirming the importance of tire choice for outdoor terrain.
Summary
While cushion tire forklifts excel on smooth indoor and paved environments due to their compact design and resilience, they are not ideal for gravel-laden terrain. Choosing pneumatic tires or rough-terrain forklifts for gravel improves safety, operator comfort, machine durability, and load handling. Operators should understand tire characteristics, adapt operational parameters, and consider machine modifications to align forklift performance with surface conditions, ensuring effective and safe material handling across diverse job sites.