The right tyres for forklift trucks: radial and cross-ply tyres, as well as innovative slick

Choosing the right tyres for forklift trucks, reach stackers and other machines is crucial for their efficiency, durability and safety. The different types of tyre – radial, cross-ply and slick – play a central role here. But which tyres are right for your application?

Structure and design: radial and cross-ply tyres

Radial tyres:

• The carcass plies are arranged radially (90°) to the direction of rotation.
• A separate belt structure made of steel or other materials ensures stability.
• Flexible side walls allow for better adaptation to the ground.

Cross-ply tyres:

• The carcass plies are arranged diagonally (30–45°) to the direction of travel and cross over each other.
• The sidewall and tread form a single unit, which provides more stability but less flexibility.

Advantages and applications in industrial use

Radial tyres:

• Durability: Longer service life due to lower rolling resistance and even wear.
• Comfort: More flexible side walls dampen vibrations and increase driving comfort.
• Traction: Excellent on hard and slippery surfaces.
• Energy efficiency: Reduced fuel consumption thanks to lower rolling resistance.

Cross-ply tyres:

• Robustness: Resistant to cuts, impacts and damage.
• Cost: Cheaper to purchase.
• Stability: Particularly good with high side loads or heavy loads.
• Self-cleaning: Effective on loose surfaces such as sand or mud.

Examples of use:

• Radial tyres: Ideal for paved surfaces, such as warehouse floors, and applications where comfort and efficiency are required.
• Diagonal tyres: Perfect for uneven, rough environments such as quarries, construction sites or mines.

Innovation: smooth tyres as a solution for special requirements

Smooth tyres, a special variant, offer more material to wear down thanks to the lack of a tread, and thus massively increased durability. Smooth tyres can be a particularly useful addition to the steering axles of reach stackers or forklifts. The higher wear due to frequent turning is offset by the longer service life, which justifies the additional costs. In combination with radial tyres on the drive axle, this results in an optimal balance of traction, durability and economy.

Advantages and disadvantages of the tyre types

Radial tyres:

• Advantages: long service life, lower energy consumption, better driving comfort.
• Disadvantages: higher purchase costs, less robust on extremely uneven surfaces.

Diagonal tyres:

• Advantages: More resistant to damage, cheaper to buy.
• Disadvantages: Higher rolling resistance, less comfortable.

Smooth-tread tyres:

• Advantages: Maximum durability, ideal for steering axles.
• Disadvantages: Limited to certain applications.

Conclusion: The right mix for maximum efficiency

The perfect tyre depends on the specific operating conditions. A combination of radial tyres on the drive axle and solid tyres on the steering axle can be a particularly effective solution. This combination combines traction, durability and cost optimisation. However, for applications on uneven terrain, cross-ply tyres remain the first choice.

Contact us to find the ideal tyres for your forklift trucks, reach stackers or cranes. Our experts will be happy to advise you on how to keep your machines running efficiently and safely.