Camso Designs New Press-On Forklift Tires to Withstand More Heat

Oct. 20, 2017

Camso Inc.’s new press-on (PON) tire lineup is designed for forklifts operating in high- and medium-intensity applications.

The company introduced the new forklift tire range to dealers, distributors and original equipment partners at a product launch and training event in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 19.

The Seven Series forklift tire is new to the market. The Five Series is the next generation of the company’s Magnum traction and smooth models.    

“Typically forklift truck tire manufacturers sell their tires in a good, better, best type approach. We’re bringing a new approach,” said Erick Bellefleur, product line executive director – material handling.

The new approach revolves around the tire’s capacity to withstand heat. “It’s not about good, better, best; it’s about being able to withstand the heat,” said Bellefleur.

“The Seven Series, the 775, is the highest level and the Five Series is the middle level. The difference between good, better, best and what we’re proposing is our tires last the same number of hours, but they can be used in different intensity applications.

He said the new Press-On 775 is Camso's "ultimate tire" for high-intensity applications. A flatter design and new construction process enable the Press-On 775 to withstand more heat.

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 have to 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. Tires operating in high-intensity applications are pushed beyond their limits and are more likely to experience heat build-up that leads to rubber fatigue or even thermal tire failure, according to Camso.

The company says that compared to the Solideal Magnum SM ERP, the new Solideal PON 775:

  • delivers 90% better resistance to internal heat build-up;
  • shows 70% better energy efficiency due to low-rolling-resistance rubber compounds;
  • provides 45% longer tire life due to an abrasion-resistant tread compound; and
  • has 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, up to and including a new 33-inch tire.

The new Solideal PON 555 and 550 replace the company’s Magnum traction and smooth models. The new versions feature improved materials and construction process. Compared to the Magnum models, the new tires provide:

  • 45% longer tire life;
  • 6% better resistance to internal heat build-up; and
  • 8% improved energy efficiency.

“Fleet owners expect maximum life for a tire regardless of the intensity of their job,” said Bellefleur. “Our new tire technologies deliver maximum durability by minimizing internal heat build-up.”

The company says 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 the lowest operating cost solution.

Camso also highlighted its latest multi-purpose tire (MPT) technologies for compact construction equipment at the event, which featured hands-on product demos and test drives through mud pits, scrap piles and concrete surfaces.