Used Internal Combustion cushion tire forklift guide

Learn more about used internal combustion engine cushion tire forklifts in this helpful guide.

Machine Maxx USA offers reliable, serviced and tested used IC cushion tire forklifts for sale.

Is a Used IC Cushion Tire Forklift Right for Your Operation?

An IC cushion tire forklift is what most people think of when they imagine a forklift. It has a propane tank on the back, a big counterweight, and a mast at the front with forks.

IC cushion tire forklifts are available with capacities that range from 3000lbs to over 30,000lbs. The most common capacity is 5000lbs.

Cushion tires refers to the solid rubber tire that is used on these machines as opposed to a “pneumatic” tire. Cushion tires are airless so they don’t go flat, but they provide cushion to absorb some of the bumpiness in the ride.

IC cushion tire forklifts can be used in a wide range of operations like warehouses, distribution, manufacturing, loading docks, retail, and many others.

Where a cushion tire forklift shouldn’t be used is on uneven terrain such as in a lumber yard, or on a gravel lot. Cushion tires don’t offer enough shock absorption so the forklift will bounce far too much and the load may become unstable.

Cushion tire forklifts can become easily stuck in uneven and soft terrain. They either have no or very limited suspension so if one wheel comes off the ground, even if only by a half inch, the forklift will become stuck.

IC cushion tire forklifts can be reliable forklifts for many years, but exactly how long one lasts depends on how much it is used, the operating environment, and how it is maintained.

Forklift use is measured in hours and if a forklift is used for a whole work day during one year, it will accumulate about 2000 hours of use. A forklift with over 20,000 hours is considered very heavily used.

Many operations use their forklift for only a few hours per week and so during a year the forklift accumulates a few hundred hours. After a 10 year period such a forklift may only have accumulated 5000 hours.

Operating environments drastically change a forklift’s longevity. For instance, a temperature regulated warehouse moving consumer products will be ideal for a forklift. The forklift won’t be pulling in dirty air, it will be driving over smooth surfaces, and the products won’t be corrosive or harmful in any way to the forklift.

On the other hand, using an IC cushion tire forklift in a harsh environment like a foundry can drastically reduce it’s useful life. High heat, uneven ground, and corrosive materials all contribute to a hard life for a forklift.

Maintenance is the third key component of how long a forklift will last. Regular maintenance such as changing oil, filters and spark plugs, as well as greasing fittings and replacing worn tires will help a forklift keep operating in top condition.

When deciding between the various used forklift options you want to think about your operating environment and how much your forklift will be used.

If your operating environment has reasonably smooth and even floors that stay dry, an IC cushion tire forklift is likely a good option.

When comparing to an electric forklift you want to think about how much the forklift will be used in a week. Electric forklifts should be used at least a few times per week so that their batteries are regularly charged and don’t go flat.

But if you use your forklift infrequently such as once week or less then a used IC cushion tire forklift will be your best option.

Used Cushion Tire Forklifts for Sale

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All brands Used IC Cushion Tire Forklifts for Sale

Check out our whole selection of used IC cushion tire forklifts for sale from brands like Cat, Unicarriers, Hyster, Clark, and more!

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All Other Used Forklift Types for Sale

Check out our whole inventory of used forklifts for sale. Compare different types, brands, and capacities.

Machine Maxx USA has a great selection of used forklifts for sale at fair prices

We focus on offering reliable used forklifts that can be purchased with a high level of confidence. All of our listings have pictures, a video and a full description.


All of our forklifts listed for sale are ready to ship and will be inspected prior to delivery to ensure our customers receive a good working machine!