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Selecting forklift tires for diverse surfaces requires aligning material and load with operational demands, starting with cushion tires—solid rubber compounds—optimizing 2,000-3,000-hour lifespans on smooth concrete floors in 10,000 sq ft warehouses. Priced at $400-$700 per set for 3,000-5,000-pound capacities, they offer 90% traction but falter on 5% grades, requiring 100-110 PSI inflation. Pneumatic tires, with air-filled 10-ply construction, handle gravel or mud outdoors, supporting 6,000-12,000-pound loads over 1,500 hours at $800-$1,200, with 120 PSI and 2/32-inch tread ensuring 85% stability on 15% slopes. Solid rubber tires, at $500-$900, resist punctures for 3,000 hours in high-traffic zones, ideal for 4,000-pound units, though 5% less flexible on uneven terrain. Non-marking polyurethane tires, costing $600-$1,000, prevent $1,000 floor damage in cleanrooms, lasting 2,500 hours with 105 PSI. Load testing at 80% capacity (e.g., 4,000 pounds on 5,000-pound forks) confirms fit, with rotation every 500 hours and $200 alignment checks extending life. Environmental factors—salt corrosion cuts pneumatic life 20%—guide $1,000-$2,000 annual budgets, optimizing 90% uptime.