Camso introduces three new press-on (PON) tire models to meet the growing demands of forklifts operating in high- and medium-intensity applications.
The material handling industry has evolved considerably in recent years. Larger forklift models are using more specialized attachments and now come equipped with hydrostatic transmissions, automotive-type active stability systems and specialized attachments. These material movers now carry heavier loads in more confined spaces while moving faster. Combined with increased travel distance and less cool-down time between jobs, duty cycles are more severe than ever before.
“When operating in such high intensity applications, tires are pushed beyond their limits and are very likely to experience heat build-up. This can result in rubber fatigue or even thermal tire failure causing unscheduled forklift downtime,” said Erick Bellefleur, product line executive director of material handling at Camso. “As the world’s largest manufacturer of press-on tires, we know that downtime is not an option for material handling operations. It’s our job to understand the unique mobility needs of any forklift and its application requirements.”
The new Solideal PON 775 high-intensity tire
The new Solideal PON 775 by Camso is especially designed for high intensity applications where other press-ons may fail. When compared to the Solideal Magnum SM ERP:
- It delivers 90 per cent better resistance to internal heat build-up.
- It shows 70 per cent better energy efficiency due to low-rolling-resistance rubber compounds.
- It provides 45 per cent longer tire life due to an abrasion-resistant tread compound.
- It features a unique and patented sidewall design to relieve stress on the tire edges and reduce ground pressure.
A full range of Solideal PON 775 sizes are available, right up to and including a new 33 in. tire.
Camso’s revamped Solideal PON 555/550 medium-intensity tires
Camso’s medium-intensity Solideal PON 555 and 550 are enhanced versions of the Magnum traction and smooth models, long established as industry standards. By improving the materials and tire construction process, these new tires will provide:
- 45 per cent longer tire life
- six per cent better resistance to internal heat build-up
- eight per cent improved energy efficiency
“Fleet owners expect maximum life for a tire regardless of the intensity of their job,” Bellefleur said. “Our new tire technologies deliver maximum durability by minimizing internal heat build-up.”
Together, the new Solideal PON 775 and the Solideal PON 555 and 550 were designed as a series to bring maximum lifespan for different application intensities and to provide customers with a low operating cost solution.
Determining which tire to use
Every forklift tire in the Camso product line is designed to deliver maximum life. There are no good/better/best options on the roster.
Determining which Solideal tire by Camso is best suited for which particular application is based on what is called “usage intensity.” Usage intensity reflects the amount of heat stress inflicted on the tires by the forklift’s duty cycles.
“When choosing tires for forklifts, buyers must especially focus on how the machine is being used and understand the intensity of the application they’re running. Each application has its own usage intensity, and that this is what differentiates an application from another,” Bellefleur said.
To ease forklift tire selection, Camso has developed an online tool that ensures the correct tire model is matched to the forklift application.
Camso’s Usage Intensity Calculator (available at camso.co) quantifies different levels of forklift application intensities. This is done by factoring in basic usage parameters. These parameters include:
- Forklift lifting capacity.
- Idle time.
- Travel time.
- Maneuvering time.
- Distance travelled per day.
- Number of daily shifts.
A score is produced and, when matched with engineering-derived product data, an actual tire recommendation that matches the intensity level is provided. Recommendations are available on both of Camso’s forklift solid tire lineups:
- PON Tires (press-on).
- RES Tires (resilient).
More than just a tire model recommendation, the actual score is particularly helpful for ensuring forklifts are equipped with the best tire for their application in order to provide customers with the lowest operating cost solution possible, and maximum lifespan.