Fork N Tire – FAQs
ForkNTire delivers the quality products and personal service your business depends on. Since 2008, we've specialised in sourcing the right tyres for your specific machinery and operational needs. Whether you're running a small workshop or managing a large construction site, we'll find the perfect tyre solution at competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
General / Company
What does Fork N Tire do?
Fork N Tire supplies, fits, and repairs forklift and industrial tyres — solid, pneumatic, cushion, and polyurethane — for businesses across Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and South Africa. The team also stocks tyres for agricultural and construction equipment.
Where is Fork N Tire based, and which areas do you service?
Fork N Tire is based at 6 Schenk Rd, Pinetown, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal, and services the greater Durban area with on-site fitting, plus clients across South Africa and neighbouring countries for supply. You can also bring wheels directly to the Pinetown workshop if that’s more convenient.
How do I contact Fork N Tire?
You can call 031 702 6335 or 031 701 2937 (landline), or 082 468 5308 / 079 546 4075 (mobile), email forkntire@telkomsa.net, or visit the workshop at 6 Schenk Rd, Pinetown, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal. The team can quote you on tyre size, brand, and fitting once they know your forklift details.
Which forklift brands does Fork N Tire supply tyres for?
Fork N Tire supplies and fits tyres for all major forklift brands, including Toyota, Nissan/Unicarriers, Yanmar, Mitsubishi, Komatsu, Hyster, Crown, and Linde, as well as Rhino and Heli. If your brand isn’t listed, contact the team directly with your make and model.
Do you offer on-site fitting, or do I need to bring my forklift in?
Fork N Tire offers on-site fitting across the greater Durban area, or you can bring your wheels to the Pinetown workshop — whichever causes less downtime for your operation. On-site fitting uses professional hydraulic press equipment to ensure correct installation.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency tyre issue?
Fork N Tire typically responds to emergency repair calls within 2–4 hours during business hours, depending on your location in the Durban area. For urgent breakdowns, call 031 702 6335 / 031 701 2937, or 082 468 5308 / 079 546 4075 for faster mobile contact.
Why choose Fork N Tire over a large national tyre supplier?
Fork N Tire takes time to understand your specific operation and industry rather than treating you as an order number, and combines local Durban knowledge with nationwide supply capability. The team gives honest, needs-based recommendations rather than pushing the most expensive option.
Tyre Types (Solid vs Pneumatic vs Cushion vs Polyurethane)
What's the difference between solid and pneumatic forklift tyres?
Solid tyres are puncture-proof, require less maintenance, and last longer, making them ideal for indoor or debris-heavy environments — though they cost more upfront. Pneumatic (air-filled) tyres absorb shocks and vibration better, offer improved traction on uneven or outdoor surfaces, and typically have a lower initial cost.
Which forklift tyre type is best for outdoor use?
Pneumatic tyres are generally best for outdoor use because their deep tread and air-filled design grip uneven ground and absorb shocks on rough terrain. For outdoor sites with sharp debris where punctures are a concern, foam-filled pneumatic tyres offer a puncture-proof alternative without losing the outdoor performance benefits.
What are cushion tyres, and when should I use them?
Cushion tyres are a solid-construction tyre designed for smooth indoor surfaces, offering excellent manoeuvrability in tight warehouse spaces. They provide stability and precise control but aren’t suited to outdoor or rough terrain.
What's the benefit of foam-filled pneumatic tyres?
Foam-filled pneumatic tyres combine the shock-absorbing comfort of air-filled tyres with the puncture-proof reliability of solid tyres. They’re a good option for outdoor operations where punctures from debris are a recurring problem.
Do you supply polyurethane forklift tyres?
Yes, Fork N Tire stocks polyurethane tyre options alongside solid rubber and pneumatic ranges, suited to specific indoor and light-duty applications. Speak to the team about which material best fits your equipment and floor surface.
Are solid tyres or pneumatic tyres cheaper in the long run?
Solid tyres cost more initially but often work out cheaper long-term due to their extended service life and near-zero maintenance needs. Pneumatic tyres have a lower purchase price but typically need more frequent replacement and maintenance (pressure checks, puncture repairs).
Sizing & Fitting
How do I find the correct tyre size for my forklift?
Check the sidewall of your existing tyres for the size markings, or consult your forklift’s specification plate. Fork N Tire’s team can also measure and verify the correct size during a service visit if you’re unsure.
Can I mix different tyre sizes on the same forklift?
No — mismatched tyre sizes affect a forklift’s lift geometry, stability under load, and mast behaviour at height, since tyre diameter is factored into the machine’s centre-of-gravity and rated capacity calculations. Always replace with the manufacturer-specified size, or confirm compatibility with Fork N Tire first.
Do you stock common forklift tyre sizes like 16x6x10.5?
Yes, popular sizes such as 16x6x10.5 are stocked in both solid and pneumatic configurations. If you need a less common or discontinued size, the team can source it through their supplier network, generally within a few days.
What equipment do you use for tyre fitting?
Fork N Tire’s Durban-based specialists use professional hydraulic presses for solid tyre installation, ensuring correct fitment and maximum service life. This equipment is brought on-site for fitting, or available at the Pinetown workshop.
Can you fit tyres for reach trucks and electric forklifts, not just diesel/LPG units?
Fork N Tire fits press-on (PON) and rim-mounted solid tyres suitable for electric forklifts, IC (diesel/LPG) forklifts, and reach trucks. Tread pattern and tyre type are matched to your specific machine and operating surface.
Repairs & Maintenance
Do you repair forklift tyres, or only replace them?
Fork N Tire repairs both pneumatic and solid rubber tyres where damage allows, and replaces tyres where the damage compromises safety. Each repair starts with an inspection of tread depth, sidewall condition, and damage extent to determine the safest, most cost-effective option.
What forklift tyre problems can be repaired versus needing replacement?
Punctures and some sidewall damage can often be repaired using industry-standard techniques, but significant sidewall damage, deep cuts, or advanced tread wear typically require replacement for safety reasons. Fork N Tire’s technicians give an honest assessment rather than defaulting to a sale.
What does forklift tyre maintenance involve?
Maintenance typically includes pressure checks (for pneumatic tyres), tread depth measurement, visual inspections, rotation services, and wheel bearing checks. Regular maintenance prevents costly breakdowns and extends tyre life significantly.
How do I know when my forklift tyres need replacing?
Watch for cracked, chunked, or unevenly worn tread, visible sidewall damage, or a noticeable drop in stability while lifting. Damaged tyres increase tipping risk, so replace them as soon as wear becomes noticeable rather than waiting for a failure.
Do you offer maintenance advice, or just supply and fitting?
Yes, Fork N Tire’s team provides ongoing guidance on proper maintenance, optimal tyre pressure, and replacement schedules to help you get maximum life out of your tyres. This is included as part of the service relationship, not a separate paid extra.
Used Tyres
Do you sell used forklift tyres?
Yes, Fork N Tire stocks used pneumatic, solid rubber, and polyurethane tyres in common sizes, each inspected for tread depth, sidewall condition, and damage before sale. Every used tyre comes with information on its remaining service life and recommended applications.
Are used forklift tyres a safe option?
Used tyres from Fork N Tire are sourced from reputable suppliers and well-maintained retiring fleets, then carefully inspected before resale — offering a cost-effective option without compromising safety. They’re best suited to lighter-duty applications where budget matters more than maximum service life.
Brand-Specific Tyres
Do you supply tyres for Komatsu forklifts?
Yes, Fork N Tire supplies and fits solid, pneumatic, and non-marking tyres correctly sized for Komatsu’s FG/FD diesel and LPG range, the FB electric range, and larger diesel machines. Fitting the wrong tyre size on a Komatsu changes the lift geometry and load stability, so the team matches tyres to the specific model rather than selling on price alone.
Do you supply tyres for Toyota, Nissan, Yanmar, Mitsubishi, Rhino, and Heli forklifts?
Yes, Fork N Tire supplies and fits tyres for all of these brands, matched to each model’s specification. Contact the team with your forklift’s make and model for the correct size and a quote.
Are you an official dealer for these forklift brands?
Fork N Tire is an independent tyre specialist supplying quality, correctly-sized compatible tyres rather than an OEM dealership. For most operators, a correctly specified independent replacement performs the job at a better price than going back to the original manufacturer.