Forklift Tire Size Guide: How to Read, Measure and Convert Sizes
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.
How to Read a Forklift Tire Size
Quick answer: a forklift tire size is read differently by tire type. Press-on (cushion) sizes are outer diameter x width x rim in inches (21x7x15 is 533x178x381 mm), pneumatic sizes such as 7.00-12 are section width and rim in inches, and metric sizes such as 200/50-10 are width, aspect and rim. The table decodes all three.
| Format | Example | How to Read It | What the marking gives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press-on / Cushion | 21 × 7 × 15 | Outer Diameter × Width × Rim/Band Diameter (all inches) | Three dimensions in the marking |
| Pneumatic Imperial (narrow base) | 7.00-12 | Section Width × Rim Diameter (inches) | Width and rim; diameter from the tire maker |
| Pneumatic Imperial (low-profile) | 18 × 7-8 | Overall Diameter × Width-Rim Diameter (inches) | Diameter, width and rim in the marking |
| Metric / ISO | 200/50-10 | Width (mm) / Aspect Ratio % – Rim Diameter (inches) | Width, aspect ratio and rim in the marking |
The single most important rule: drive and steer tires on a forklift can be different sizes. Find and write down both sizes from the sidewalls or operator manual before ordering.
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: Size Formats
These are marked differently and mount differently. We have no official source for which type to use where; follow your forklift manufacturer's specification.
| Feature | Cushion / Press-on | Solid Pneumatic | Air Pneumatic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction (as named) | Solid rubber pressed onto a metal band | Solid rubber moulded to a pneumatic profile | Air-filled; Carlisle lists its pneumatic forklift tires as tube-type with a flap |
| 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 Tire Size Chart: Size Formats
These sizes illustrate the size formats. We have no manufacturer source for which sizes fit which capacity class or truck model, so confirm against your sidewall, data plate or operator manual before ordering. Press-on diameters come from the size code; pneumatic diameters and widths are Carlisle's published mounted values (Industrial Deep Traction).
| Size | Type | OD (in) | Width (in) | Rim (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15×5×11¼ | Press-on | 15 | 5 | 11.25 |
| 18×6×12⅛ | Press-on | 18 | 6 | 12.125 |
| 18×7×12⅛ | Press-on | 18 | 7 | 12.125 |
| 21×7×15 | Press-on | 21 | 7 | 15 |
| 21×8×15 | Press-on | 21 | 8 | 15 |
| 22×9×16 | Press-on | 22 | 9 | 16 |
| 23×9×17 | Press-on | 23 | 9 | 17 |
| 28×12×22 | Press-on | 28 | 12 | 22 |
| 6.50-10 | Pneumatic | 23.4 | 7.4 | 10 |
| 7.00-12 | Pneumatic | 27.4 | 7.8 | 12 |
| 8.25-15 | Pneumatic | 33.6 | 9.8 | 15 |
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
Sizes published in manufacturer spec sheets for the models below. We found no tire size in Clark's spec sheet and have no manufacturer source for other models; the operator manual and data plate give the size for yours, and the manufacturer or a dealer can confirm approved alternates.
| Brand | Models | Type | Front (drive) | Rear (steer) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 40/50-8FGU15, 8FGU18 | Pneumatic | 6.50-10-10PR | 5.00-8-8PR | Toyota Core IC Pneumatic spec sheet (2023) |
| Toyota | 40/50-8FGU20, 8FGU25 | Pneumatic | 7.00-12-12PR | 6.00-9-10PR | Toyota Core IC Pneumatic spec sheet (2023) |
| Toyota | 40/50-8FGU30, 8FGU32 | Pneumatic | 28 x 9-15 (12PR; 14PR on 8FGU32) | 6.50-10-10PR | Toyota Core IC Pneumatic spec sheet (2023) |
| Hyster | H40XT, H50XT | Pneumatic | 7.00 x 12 - 12 | 6.00 x 9 | Hyster H40-60XT technical guide |
| Hyster | H60XT | Pneumatic | 28 x 9 - 15 | 6.50 x 10 | Hyster H40-60XT technical guide |
| Yale | GP40N, GP50N (also GDP40N, GDP50N) | Pneumatic | 7.00-12 | 6.00x9 | Yale Series N spec sheet |
| Yale | GP60N, GP70N (also GDP60N, GDP70N) | Pneumatic | 28x9-15 | 6.50x10 | Yale Series N spec sheet |
| Crown | FC 5215, FC 5225, FC 5245 (2.0-2.5 t) | Cushion | 533 x 178 x 381 mm (21×7×15 in) | 406 x 152 x 267 mm (16×6×10.5 in) | Crown FC 5200 specifications |
| Crown | FC 5225, FC 5245 (3.0 t) | Cushion | 533 x 203 x 381 mm (21×8×15 in) | 406 x 152 x 267 mm (16×6×10.5 in) | Crown FC 5200 specifications |
| Nissan | PF30, PF35 (Platinum II) | Pneumatic | 6.50-10-10PR | 5.00-8-8PR | Nissan Platinum II spec sheet PF30-PF70 |
| Nissan | PF40, PFU40, PFD40, PF50, PFU50, PFD50 | Pneumatic | 7.00-12-12PR | 6.00-9-10PR | Nissan Platinum II spec sheet PF30-PF70 |
| Nissan | PF55, PF60, PFD60 | Pneumatic | 28 x 9-15-12PR | 6.50-10-10PR | Nissan Platinum II spec sheet PF30-PF70 |
| Nissan | PF70, PFD70 | Pneumatic | 250-15-16PR | 6.50-10-12PR | Nissan Platinum II spec sheet PF30-PF70 |
| Cat Lift Trucks | DP20NM, DP25NM (preliminary sheet) | Pneumatic | 7.00-12-12PR | 6.00-9-8PR (DP20NM), 6.00-9-10PR (DP25NM) | Cat GP15NM-GP35NM / DP20NM-DP35NM preliminary specifications |
| Cat Lift Trucks | DP30NM (preliminary sheet) | Pneumatic | 28x9-15-12PR | 6.50-10-10PR | Cat GP15NM-GP35NM / DP20NM-DP35NM preliminary specifications |
| Jungheinrich | EFG 213, EFG 216k, EFG 216 (3-wheel) | Solid pneumatic | 18x7-8 | 140/55-9 | Jungheinrich EFG 213-320 spec sheet |
| Jungheinrich | EFG 316k, EFG 316 (4-wheel) | Solid pneumatic | 18x7-8 | 16x6-8 | Jungheinrich EFG 213-320 spec sheet |
| Jungheinrich | EFG 318k (4-wheel) | Solid pneumatic | 200/50-10 | 16x6-8 | Jungheinrich EFG 213-320 spec sheet |
| Moffett | M5 20.3 NX, M5 20.4 NX, M5 25.3 NX, M5 25.4 NX | Truck-mounted | 280×60-15.5 (standard) | one standard size listed | Moffett M5 NX product brochure (Hiab) |
| Manitou | MT 1840 (telehandler) | Telehandler | 440/80-24 | one size listed | Manitou MT 1840 technical data sheet |
| JCB | 535-95 (telehandler) | Telehandler | 15.5 R24 | one size listed | JCB Loadall 535-95 specification sheet |
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 and steer tires can be different sizes on one forklift. Write down both from the sidewalls or operator manual before ordering.
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
Wear indicators differ by tire maker and type; follow the maker\'s markings.
| Tire Type | Replace When | Visual Cue | How to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| All forklift tire types | At the wear limit marked by the tire maker, or as your operator manual specifies | Chunking, cracking, flat spots, cords showing, or missing sections | Follow the tire maker's wear-line markings and the truck manufacturer's inspection schedule. We have no manufacturer source for a single wear rule by tire type. |
Always replace both tires on the same axle. Ask the truck manufacturer or a dealer about mixing worn and new tires on the same axle.
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) | Carlisle Industrial Deep Traction 7.00-12 (12 ply): up to 125 psi at 5,995 lb capacity | A tire maximum, not a recommended pressure. Check cold and use the truck data plate and the tire maker's load and inflation table |
| Air pneumatic (large, 8.25-15+) | Carlisle: 8.25-15 (12 ply) up to 105 psi; 28x9.00-15 (12 ply) up to 125 psi | Maximums from the Carlisle catalog; use the maker's load and inflation table for your size |
| Telehandler pneumatic | Per tire maker and telehandler manual | Confirm for your model |
| Solid press-on / cushion | None, not inflated | Inspect for chunking, flat spots, and wear line instead |
| Solid resilient pneumatic | None, not inflated | 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.
Use the size the manufacturer specifies
The operator manual and data plate give the tire size for your machine. We have no official source for the effect of a size change on rated capacity, stability or clearance.
Ask the forklift manufacturer
Ask the forklift manufacturer or a dealer for the approved tire sizes for your model, and use only those or get written sign-off from a dealer.
Check both axles
Find and write down the drive and steer sizes from the sidewalls or manual before ordering.
Use the tire maker's capacity data
Carlisle publishes maximum capacity per tire for the load wheel of a counterbalanced lift truck and says limits are lower for continuous-service industrial vehicles.
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.