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.