Forklift Tire Size Guide: How to Read, Measure & Choose the Right Size
Forklift tires use three completely different sizing formats depending on the tire type — and getting the wrong one means ordering a tire that does not fit. This guide covers every format, includes a full size chart by brand and capacity class, and tells you exactly when to replace.
Quick Answer: How to Read a Forklift Tire Size
A forklift tire size is read differently based on the tire type. There are three formats — press-on/cushion, pneumatic imperial, and metric/ISO. The table below decodes all three.
| Format | Example | How to Read It | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press-on / Cushion | 21 × 7 × 15 | Outer Diameter × Width × Rim/Band Diameter (all inches) | Indoor warehouse, smooth concrete, cushion forklifts |
| Pneumatic Imperial (narrow base) | 7.00-12 | Section Width × Rim Diameter (inches) | Outdoor, rough surface, air-filled pneumatic tires |
| Pneumatic Imperial (low-profile) | 18 × 7-8 | Overall Diameter × Width-Rim Diameter (inches) | Solid/resilient low-profile tires with aspect ratio under 1:1 |
| Metric / ISO | 200/50-10 | Width (mm) / Aspect Ratio % – Rim Diameter (inches) | All modern tire types — increasingly common on new equipment |
The single most important rule: drive and steer tires on the same forklift are almost always different sizes. Always find and write down both sizes before ordering — one of the most common (and costly) forklift tire mistakes is ordering four identical tires when only two of them are correct.
Need to decode a specific forklift tire size instantly?
Enter any press-on, pneumatic, or metric size and get the full dimensional breakdown.
The Three Forklift Tire Size Formats — Explained
Format 1: Press-on / Cushion Tires — OD × Width × Rim
Press-on (also called cushion) tires use three numbers separated by × or x — for example 21 × 7 × 15. You read them left to right as:
Total height of the tire from floor to top, in inches. This is what changes your machine's ride height.
Width of the rubber, in inches. A wider tire gives a larger contact patch and better stability.
Inside diameter of the steel band the rubber presses onto. This must match the wheel on your forklift exactly.
Note: You may see this written as 21x7x15, 21-7-15, or 21/7/15 — all refer to the same tire. The separator character varies by manufacturer and era but carries no meaning.
Format 2: Pneumatic Imperial Tires — Width-Rim
Standard pneumatic tires (both air-filled and solid resilient) use two numbers separated by a dash — for example 7.00-12. These read as section width × rim diameter.
Tire width in inches. This is the tread width at its widest point.
The rim this tire mounts to, in inches. Must match the wheel exactly.
Low-profile variant: If you see three numbers like 18 × 7-8, the format shifts to Outer Diameter × Width-Rim. These are low-aspect-ratio solid resilient tires where the section width exceeds the section height — the extra OD number is needed because the width alone no longer implies the overall size.
Format 3: Metric / ISO — Width/Aspect-Rim
Metric forklift tire sizes look like 200/50-10 and follow the same logic as passenger car metric tires.
Tire width in millimetres (divide by 25.4 to convert to inches = 7.87″).
Sidewall height as % of width. 50 means sidewall = 100 mm (50% of 200 mm).
Rim size in inches — note the mix of metric width and imperial rim diameter.
Why this matters: All new tire sizes entering the market use this ISO format. If you are replacing tires on older equipment, the sidewall might show the old imperial format, but the replacement catalog listing will often show the metric equivalent — both describe the same tire.
Cushion vs Solid Pneumatic vs Air Pneumatic — Full Comparison
These are not interchangeable. The type of tire dictates the entire wheel design of the forklift, so you cannot simply bolt on a different type without changing the wheel. Pick the right type for your environment first — then find the right size.
| Feature | Cushion / Press-on | Solid Pneumatic | Air Pneumatic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid rubber pressed onto metal band | Solid rubber moulded to pneumatic profile | Air-filled, rubber over carcass |
| Floor surface | Smooth concrete indoors only | Concrete, asphalt, light outdoor | Gravel, dirt, dock plates, rough terrain |
| Puncture risk | None — solid | None — solid | Yes — can go flat |
| Ride comfort | Firm, transmits vibration | Medium — better than cushion | Best — absorbs shocks |
| Tread depth / pattern | Smooth or shallow tread | Moderate tread for grip | Deep tread for traction |
| Typical lifespan | 1,000–2,000 hrs before wear-line | 2,000–3,500 hrs | 1,500–2,500 hrs depending on surface |
| Size format | OD × Width × Rim (e.g. 21×7×15) | Width-Rim or OD×W-R (e.g. 7.00-12) | Width-Rim (e.g. 8.25-15) |
| Forklift compatibility | Cushion-type forklifts only | Pneumatic-type forklifts | Pneumatic-type forklifts |
| Maintenance | None — no inflation | None — no inflation | Regular pressure checks required |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Mid range | Lower purchase price, potential repair cost |
Forklift Tire Size Chart — Standard Sizes by Capacity
The sizes below cover the vast majority of counterbalance forklifts from 2,000 to 25,000 lb capacity. Drive and steer tires are listed where they differ. Always confirm against your sidewall or operator manual before ordering.
| Size | Type | OD (in) | Width (in) | Rim (in) | Capacity Class | Common Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15×5×11¼ | Press-on | 15 | 5 | 11.25 | Up to 2,000 lb / small electric | Crown, Toyota electric |
| 18×6×12⅛ | Press-on | 18 | 6 | 12.125 | 3,000 lb electric / narrow aisle | Toyota, Crown reach truck |
| 18×7×12⅛ | Press-on | 18 | 7 | 12.125 | 3,000 lb | Toyota 3FBE, Clark C15-20 |
| 21×7×15 | Press-on | 21 | 7 | 15 | 5,000–6,000 lb | Toyota 8FGU25, Hyster H50, Yale GLP050 |
| 21×8×15 | Press-on | 21 | 8 | 15 | 5,000–7,000 lb | Clark C500, Nissan 50, Caterpillar |
| 22×9×16 | Press-on | 22 | 9 | 16 | 7,000–10,000 lb | Hyster H70-H100, Crown FC |
| 23×9×17 | Press-on | 23 | 9 | 17 | 10,000–12,000 lb | Yale GDP100, Hyster H100-H120 |
| 28×12×22 | Press-on | 28 | 12 | 22 | 15,000–20,000 lb | Large IC counterbalance |
| 6.00-9 | Pneumatic | 21.0 | 6.0 | 9 | Up to 3,000 lb steer tires | Toyota, Hyster, Clark steer |
| 7.00-12 | Pneumatic | 26.0 | 7.0 | 12 | 4,000–5,000 lb drive | Toyota 8FGU25 drive, Clark GPS25 |
| 7.50-15 | Pneumatic | 29.0 | 7.5 | 15 | 5,000–6,000 lb | Hyster H50-H60 drive |
| 8.25-15 | Pneumatic | 32.0 | 8.25 | 15 | 6,000–8,000 lb | Toyota, Hyster, Yale 6,000+ drive |
| 8.25-20 | Pneumatic | 36.0 | 8.25 | 20 | 8,000–10,000 lb | Large outdoor forklift drive |
| 10.00-20 | Pneumatic | 42.5 | 10.0 | 20 | 15,000–25,000 lb | Heavy duty IC, rough terrain |
Dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer and compound. Use this chart as a starting reference — always verify against your specific machine's sidewall marking or data plate.
Forklift Tire Sizes by Brand
Quick reference for common tire sizes by manufacturer. Drive and steer sizes are listed separately where they differ. These cover the most commonly encountered models — for older or specialist variants, always check the sidewall.
| Brand | Common Models | Cushion Size(s) | Pneumatic Size(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 8FGU15–8FGU30 (cushion); 8FGU25 pneumatic | 18×7×12⅛ to 21×8×15 | 7.00-12 (drive), 6.00-9 (steer) | Check sidewall — Toyota uses both 15 and 15-inch band variants |
| Hyster | H40–H120 series | 21×7×15 to 23×10×17 | 7.50-15 to 8.25-20 | H-series drive and steer are different sizes — confirm both |
| Yale | GLP/GDP 030–100 | 18×7×12⅛ to 23×9×17 | 7.00-12 to 8.25-15 | Yale and Hyster share many platforms — sizes often match |
| Clark | C15–C60, GPS series | 18×7×12⅛ to 22×9×16 | 7.00-12 to 8.25-15 | Older Clark models may use the 500-by-8 narrow-base format |
| Nissan / UniCarriers | CP / PL / MPL series, Nissan 50 | 21×7×15 (Nissan 50 drive), 16×6×10.5 steer | 7.00-12 (drive), 6.00-9 (steer) | Nissan 50 = 5,000 lb class; the 21×7×15 is the standard drive size |
| Crown | FC4500, SC series, reach trucks | 18×6×12⅛ (reach), 21×7×15 (counterbalance) | N/A — Crown is primarily indoor electric | Electric reach trucks often use smaller narrow-aisle sizes |
| Moffett (Hiab) | M4, M5, M8 truck-mounted | N/A | 7.50-15 or 31×15.50-15 (flotation style) | Moffett uses an agricultural-style flotation format on some models |
| Telehandler (generic) | JCB 520-50, Manitou MT625, Caterpillar TH | N/A | 400/70-20, 460/70-24, 500/70-24 (metric) | Telehandlers use metric agricultural formats — verify load index too |
How to Measure a Forklift Tire Size
If your tire's sidewall marking is worn or you cannot locate the operator manual, here is how to measure your way to the right replacement size using only a tape measure.
Measure Outer Diameter (OD)
Run a tape measure from the ground to the very top of the tire (standing beside the machine). This gives overall tire height. For an in-service tire, use a long ruler across the centre of the tire from one outside edge to the other.
Measure Section Width (SW)
Hold the tape measure flat across the widest point of the tread — edge to edge. Do not measure the rim flange; measure only the rubber.
Measure Rim / Band Diameter (ID)
For press-on tires: measure the inside diameter of the steel band that the rubber wraps around. For pneumatic tires: measure across the wheel rim bead seat from one inner edge to the other.
Check the Sidewall Marking
Every tire should have its size moulded into the rubber sidewall. On press-ons it reads OD × Width × Rim (e.g. 21×7×15). On pneumatics it reads Width-Rim (e.g. 7.00-12). If the marking is worn off, use your measurements from steps 1–3.
Confirm Against the Operator Manual
Even if the sidewall is legible, cross-check against your forklift's operator manual or data plate. The manual lists the OEM-specified tire size for your specific model and capacity class.
Identify Drive vs. Steer Tires
Drive tires (front on most counterbalance forklifts) and steer tires (rear) are almost always different sizes. Write down both before ordering — replacing only one size is a common and expensive mistake.
What if the sidewall marking is partially visible?
Even a partially legible sidewall helps. Press-on tires with visible outer diameter and rim size can usually be matched even if the width is worn — the most common widths for a given OD and rim combination are well-documented. Pneumatic tires with a visible width give you the most important dimension, since a 7.00-12 will be listed as 7.00 regardless of brand. Search that partial size on any tire supplier site and filter by rim diameter to narrow it down.
When to Replace Forklift Tires — Wear Indicators by Type
Every tire type has a different wear indicator system. Using the wrong rule for your tire type is one of the most common forklift maintenance mistakes.
| Tire Type | Replace When | Visual Cue | How to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth press-on (cushion) | Rubber height worn to 2/3 of original — roughly 1/3 of rubber gone | "Top of the numbers" rule: when tread wears down to the top of the size markings moulded on the tire | Measure current rubber height vs original spec sheet, or watch the size numbers disappear |
| Tread-pattern press-on / solid resilient | Worn to the 60J safety line moulded into the sidewall | Visible raised band / "60J" line becomes flush with the tread surface | Visual inspection — the 60J line appears as a raised ridge when new; replace when flush |
| Solid pneumatic (resilient) | Wear band exposed, or more than 2 inches of height lost from original | Coloured wear indicator band appears across the tread; flat spots visible on stationary machine | Two-inch rule: measure from floor to top of tread; compare against new-tire spec |
| Air-filled pneumatic | Tread depth reaches 0 (smooth in the contact patch) or any cord/ply is exposed | Smooth tread, visible cords, cracks, bulges, or chunks missing from sidewall | Tread depth gauge (like a car tire) — below 2/32″ is an OSHA-reportable hazard |
Always replace both tires on the same axle. Mixing a worn tire with a new one on the same axle creates an uneven load distribution. On a counterbalance forklift carrying a load, this asymmetry increases tip-over risk — the OSHA leading cause of forklift fatalities.
Forklift Tire Pressure: Quick Reference
Solid tires need no inflation — skip this section if you run press-on or solid resilient tires. For air-filled pneumatics, correct pressure is critical for stability, tread life, and fuel efficiency.
| Tire Type | Typical Pressure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air pneumatic (small, 7.00-12) | 100–110 psi | Check cold; adjust for load per manufacturer tables |
| Air pneumatic (large, 8.25-15+) | 110–125 psi | Higher capacity trucks may require up to 130 psi |
| Telehandler pneumatic | 50–80 psi | Agricultural-style low-pressure design; confirm per model |
| Solid press-on / cushion | N/A — no inflation | Inspect for chunking, flat spots, and wear line instead |
| Solid resilient pneumatic | N/A — no inflation | Monitor wear band only |
Always check pressure cold (before operation). Your manufacturer's load and inflation tables are the authoritative source — always defer to those over generic ranges.
Can I Change to a Different Size? — Upsize / Change Checklist
Unlike a car, changing forklift tire size is not a cosmetic choice — it has safety and legal implications. Work through every item below before changing size.
Check overhead clearance
A larger OD tire raises the mast pivot point and the entire forklift slightly. Verify the machine still fits through doorways, under racking beams, and in any height-restricted area.
Verify drive and steer clearance
At full steering lock, the steer tire must not contact the frame or counterweight. A larger tire reduces this gap; test at minimum turning radius before putting the machine in service.
Confirm load capacity remains valid
Your forklift's capacity plate is based on OEM-specified tire size. Changing size outside the approved range can invalidate the nameplate rating and your liability in the event of a tip-over incident.
Consult the forklift manufacturer
Hyster, Toyota, Yale, and most major manufacturers publish approved alternate tire sizes for each model. Use only sizes on that list, or get written sign-off from a dealer.
Match drive and steer axles consistently
Always replace both tires on the same axle at the same time. Mixing worn and new tires on the same axle affects stability and load distribution.
Update any fleet management or rental paperwork
If the machine is leased or under a maintenance agreement, notify the provider before changing tire type or size.
Frequently Asked Questions
All tire size information, brand references, and replacement guidelines on this page are provided for educational reference only. Forklift tire selection and replacement affects machine stability and operator safety — always verify against your manufacturer's operator manual, nameplate data, and consult a qualified forklift service technician before purchasing or changing tires. TireCalculatorHub is not liable for any injury, damage, or loss arising from use of information on this page.