Pneumatic forklift tires are air‑filled tires designed for outdoor use on rough, uneven surfaces such as gravel, asphalt, lumber yards, and construction sites. They offer superior shock absorption and traction compared to solid or cushion tires, making them the preferred choice for outdoor material handling. Prices typically range from $125 to $1,400+ per tire depending on size, construction, and brand.
Common Pneumatic Tire Sizes and Applications
Pneumatic tires use a width‑and‑rim format, such as 7.00-12 (7 inches wide on a 12‑inch rim). Some of the most common sizes include:
Tire Size Typical Application Price Range (Per Tire)
6.00-9 Small outdoor forklifts $125 – $400+
7.00-12 Standard outdoor warehouse forklifts $150 – $600+
8.25-15 Heavy‑duty outdoor forklifts $300 – $1,000+
28x9-15 Large pneumatic forklifts $400 – $1,400+
Sources:
Important: Pneumatic tires typically require an inner tube and liner flap. At ForkliftTire.com, these are included in the price; at other sellers, they can add $90–$250 per tire.
Major Pneumatic Tire Brands and Suppliers (2026)
Brand / Supplier Specialization Notes
S&S Tire / Best-One Tire Distributor of 10+ major brands Stocks Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Yokohama, Titan, Carlisle, Samson, and Regency. Mobile tire press service available at your facility across 14 Southeast locations.
Premier Lift Equipment Universal fitment tires and wheels Supplies pneumatic, solid pneumatic, cushion, and non‑marking tires for all major forklift brands. Sizes include 21x7x15, 28x9-15, 18x7-8, 16x5x10.5. Ships across Canada and the U.S..
ForkliftTire.com Online tire retailer Carries NEXEN (KENEX pneumatic line), Best Choice pneumatic tires, and other major brands. Ships with inner tube and liner flap included. Quantity discounts available (7.5% on 2–3, 15% on 4+).
Trelleborg Tires Premium tire manufacturer Offers XP800, XP1000 solid resilient, PS1000 press‑on, and pneumatic tires. T-800 pneumatic range provides optimal grip and traction for forklifts.
Continental OTR pneumatic tires Recommended for heavy forklift trucks, reach stackers, empty container handlers, and heavy load transport vehicles. Radial tires with low rolling resistance save energy for outdoor applications and long runs.
NEXEN (KENEX) Pneumatic tire line Positioned as a “new standard” for forklift performance with traction/braking focus, high‑load multi‑carcass structure, shock absorption, and reduced rolling resistance.
Colony Tire & Service Tire provider Offers high‑quality solid and pneumatic forklift tires.
Itco Sales Industrial tire supplier Provides on‑site installation and repairs in Tulsa and surrounding areas.
Forklift Tire Company Inc. Distributor Supplies pneumatic, track loader, skid steer, telehandler, and solid tires.
Qingdao Taihao Tyre (China) Manufacturer Specializes in bias tires including forklift tires. Available through B2B platforms like Made‑in‑China.com.
2026 Price Guide – Pneumatic Forklift Tires
Prices vary significantly by size, compound, and whether the tire is air‑filled or solid pneumatic.
Tire Type Price Range (Per Tire) Common Sizes Best For
Pneumatic (Air‑Filled) $125 – $1,400+ 6.00-9, 7.00-12, 8.25-15, 28x9-15 Outdoor yards, rough surfaces, loading docks
Solid Pneumatic (Resilient) $160 – $2,900+ 6.00-9, 7.00-12, 8.25-15 Mixed indoor/outdoor, flat‑proof environments
Non‑Marking Pneumatic $200 – $1,200+ Various Food, pharmaceutical, clean‑floor environments
Note: Most standard warehouse forklift tires fall in the lower half of these ranges. A complete tire replacement typically requires four tires—two drive tires and two steer tires, which are usually different sizes.
Where to Buy Pneumatic Forklift Tires
Channel Suppliers Notes
Online Retailers ForkliftTire.com, Premier Lift Equipment Wide selection, nationwide shipping, quantity discounts
Industrial Tire Distributors S&S Tire, Colony Tire, Itco Sales Local inventory, mobile installation services
Manufacturer Direct Trelleborg, Continental, NEXEN Premium tires with OEM specifications
B2B Platforms Made‑in‑China.com, Cautop Chinese manufacturers, competitive pricing for bulk orders
Auction Platforms RB Auction, Jeff Martin Auctioneers Used forklifts with pneumatic tires, sold as‑is
Buying Considerations
Know Your Tire Size: Check your current tire sidewall for the size marking (e.g., 7.00-12) or consult your forklift data plate.
Choose the Right Construction:
Air‑filled pneumatic: Best for outdoor, rough surfaces with shock absorption.
Solid pneumatic (resilient): Flat‑proof, more durable, but more expensive.
Non‑marking: Essential for food, pharmaceutical, and clean‑floor environments.
Factor in Installation Costs: Installation can add significantly to the total cost. Mobile tire press service may require a service call fee. S&S Tire offers mobile press trucks that install at your facility.
Check Inner Tube and Flap Inclusion: At some sellers, tubes and flaps are sold separately, adding $90–$250 per tire.
Replace When Worn: Replace tires when tread wears past the 50% wear line, when rubber chunks are breaking off, or when flat spots develop.
Summary
Pneumatic forklift tires are available from major distributors including S&S Tire (14 Southeast locations, 10+ brands, mobile installation), Premier Lift Equipment (nationwide shipping, universal fitment), ForkliftTire.com (NEXEN KENEX, Best Choice lines, quantity discounts), Trelleborg, Continental, and NEXEN. Prices range from $125 to $1,400+ per tire depending on size and construction, with complete sets typically requiring four tires in two different sizes. When purchasing, verify your tire size, choose the appropriate construction (air‑filled vs. solid pneumatic), factor in installation costs, and confirm whether inner tubes and flaps are included in the quoted price.
