Telehandler Tires
Telehandlers - also called telescopic handlers or reach forklifts - operate across a wide range of jobsite conditions, from concrete floors and paved yards to soft ground and rough terrain. Selecting the correct tire for your telehandler's operating environment directly affects stability, lift capacity, and safety at height. Tires4That carries telehandler tires in the most common sizes designed to fit all major telehandler brands, including Manitou, JLG, Genie, Caterpillar, and JCB.
What To Look For In Telehandler Tires
Telehandler tires need to balance load-carrying capacity with lateral stability, which becomes critical when the boom is extended with a heavy load. Most telehandlers run industrial-tread (R4-style or L-series) tires with high ply ratings - typically 12-ply to 16-ply - to safely handle the dynamic and static loads involved in lift operations. Common telehandler tire sizes include 12.5/80-18, 15.5-28, and 400/80-24, though sizes vary by machine frame and axle rating. For telehandlers that operate primarily on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt, a hard-surface industrial tread minimizes wear. For machines used on soft ground or mixed terrain on construction sites, a more aggressive industrial lug pattern improves stability and reduces sinkage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size tires does a telehandler use?
A: Common telehandler tire sizes include 12.5/80-18, 15.5-28, 400/80-24, and 440/80-28, among others. Size varies by machine model and axle configuration. Always verify the correct specifications from your telehandler's operator manual or the sidewall of your current tires before ordering.
Q: What tread pattern is best for a telehandler?
A: Most telehandlers run an industrial or R4-style block tread, which handles hard surfaces well while providing enough bite for soft ground stability. For machines used exclusively on smooth concrete, a harder compound smooth-shoulder industrial tire reduces rolling resistance and wear. For rough-terrain telehandlers used on construction sites or farms, a more aggressive industrial lug pattern provides better traction.
Q: How does tire selection affect telehandler stability?
A: Telehandler stability - especially with a raised, extended boom - relies heavily on proper tire inflation and load ratings. An underinflated or underrated tire flexes excessively under load, which shifts the machine's center of gravity and increases tip-over risk. Always maintain telehandler tires at the manufacturer's specified inflation pressure and never substitute a lower-load-rated tire.
Q: How often should telehandler tires be replaced?
A: Inspect telehandler tires monthly for tread wear, sidewall damage, cracking, and proper inflation. Replace tires when tread depth is significantly reduced, the sidewall shows structural cracking, or the tire can no longer hold the correct inflation pressure. Given the safety implications of lift operations, erring on the side of early replacement is best practice.
Q: What brands do you carry for telehandler tires?
A: We carry telehandler tires from Alliance, Galaxy, and Titan in the most common sizes designed to fit all major telehandler brands, including Manitou, JLG, Genie, Caterpillar, and JCB.