Cushion Tire vs Solid Tire: What’s the Difference? (Forklift Tires)

If you’re shopping for forklift tires, you’ll hear people say “cushion tires” and “solid tires” like they’re two different things.

In most warehouse forklift conversations, a cushion tire is a type of solid tire.

So the real question usually becomes:

• Are you running a cushion / press-on solid tire setup?
• Or are you running a pneumatic-style tire setup (often solid pneumatic or air-filled)?

This article keeps it simple and helps you confirm what your forklift is designed to accept.

Simple definitions (plain English)

Cushion tires

• Also called: press-on solid tires
• Most common on: warehouse forklifts on smooth concrete
• Key point: they are solid and typically pressed onto the wheel

Solid tires

“Solid tire” is a broad term. It can mean:

• Cushion / press-on solid (common in warehouses)
• Solid pneumatic (pneumatic-style tire, but solid)

That’s why the phrase “solid tire” can cause confusion. You still need to confirm the exact type your forklift is built for.

The rule that matters most: your forklift is built for a specific tire type

In most cases, forklifts are designed to accept one tire type for a specific application.

• A cushion forklift is meant to run cushion/press-on tires.
• A pneumatic forklift is meant to run pneumatic-style tires.

Trying to swap types can create issues like:

• Clearance problems
• Handling and stability changes
• Safety information on the truck no longer matching the setup

If you’re not sure what your truck is designed for, don’t guess—confirm it.

How to confirm what tires you need (fast)

To quote tires, we typically only need:

• A clear photo of your current tire sidewall (size is usually printed there)

To confirm your current tires are correct (recommended), send:

• A readable photo of the forklift data plate (make/model)
• The serial number (especially if you have more than one of the same model)

If the sidewall is too worn to read, we can still confirm using:

• A photo of the forklift
• A readable data plate photo
• Or your make/model/serial number (so we can find the year and the correct manual)

Common reasons customers choose non-marking or traction (cushion/press-on)

Once you’ve confirmed you need cushion/press-on tires, the next decision is often the option:

Non-marking

Common when:

• The industry requires it (often food and medical)
• The goal is to keep floors cleaner

Tradeoff:

• Typically 25–35% more expensive on average

Traction

Common when:

• You operate in freezers or slick environments
• Oil/lubricant is common in the facility
• You use loading ramps (especially steel ramps)

Can’t figure out what you have?

Can’t find your tires? Get in contact with us.

Send what you have:

• Sidewall photo (if readable)
• Data plate photo (readable)
• Make/model and serial number (best)
• We’ll confirm fitment and recommend the right tire setup.