Material Handling
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Product insight
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04.11.24
Non-Marking Forklift Tires: What You Need to Know
*This article is based on our fromer articles: "Busting the myths with non-marking tires" and "8 factors when choosing non-marking tires". An update was made in October 2024.
In past years, the demand for indoor forklift applications has surged, driven by the rise of e-commerce, online shopping, and home deliveries. This trend has significantly impacted the material handling and logistics industries, leading to an increased need for non-marking tires. In 2021, 60% of the market catered to indoor use, with 30% requiring non-marking tires.
Industries such as pulp and paper, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, do not want tire marks or black rubber dust on their floors or goods. So, a growing number of industries have set regulations requiring the use of non-marking tires. To meet this demand, tire manufacturers offer non-marking products in diverse colors (grey, white, green, red, yellow, etc.).
This article delves into the key aspects of non-marking forklift tires and what to consider when choosing them.
Industries such as pulp and paper, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, do not want tire marks or black rubber dust on their floors or goods. So, a growing number of industries have set regulations requiring the use of non-marking tires. To meet this demand, tire manufacturers offer non-marking products in diverse colors (grey, white, green, red, yellow, etc.).
This article delves into the key aspects of non-marking forklift tires and what to consider when choosing them.
Does the color of non-marking tires matter?
Non-marking refers to the property of tires that leave no marks on the floor, rather than their color. It’s important to remember that non-marking is a property, not a color! This characteristic is crucial for environments where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount, such as airports, hospitals, warehouses, grocery stores, trade show floors, and other indoor settings. Ultimately, the color of the tire does not determine its effectiveness in maintaining cleanliness.
At Camso, we initially produced white non-marking tires. However, by 2006, we encountered performance limitations with these tires, as they failed to offer maximum lifespan and could not withstand heat build-up. Our engineers took this challenge seriously, as we strive to provide the lowest operating cost solutions that meet the highest industry standards. This led to the development of our “new” non-marking tires made from 100% natural rubber.
At Camso, we initially produced white non-marking tires. However, by 2006, we encountered performance limitations with these tires, as they failed to offer maximum lifespan and could not withstand heat build-up. Our engineers took this challenge seriously, as we strive to provide the lowest operating cost solutions that meet the highest industry standards. This led to the development of our “new” non-marking tires made from 100% natural rubber.
But why are they grey?
Because we add 0.1% carbon black to the rubber compound to stabilize the color. The combination of natural rubber’s white and the added black carbon results in a grey color. This small addition is key to achieving the desired performance and durability. It is our little pinch of magic.
So, what do you need to consider when choosing non-marking tires?
#1 Leaving no marks on the floor
This is the easiest and most obvious factor: non-marking tires should leave no tire marks or black dust behind. Otherwise, they would be regular tires. Camso non-marking tires ensure clean operation and are less sensitive to stains. Grey is a forgiving color as it blends with dust.
#2 Tire lifespan and overall performance
Non-marking solutions should not compromise tire performance. The natural rubber in our non-marking tires enhances technical performance, reduces chunking and cutting, and offers extra age resistance due to natural antioxidants. Producing a white non-marking tire with the same performance as grey non-marking tires would require higher-grade natural rubber, increasing costs and decreasing performance. Always inquire about the compounds, technical features, and performance when choosing tires. Given that performance depends on usage intensity, it’s important to first assess how intensively your forklift will be used. You can use our Usage Intensity Calculator.
#3 Lower rolling resistance, energy consumption and cost
Lower rolling resistance leads to better energy efficiency, reducing operational costs. This also means lower fuel consumption for gas-powered forklifts and increased battery life for electric forklifts.
#4 Thermal capabilities to lower heat build-up
Medium and high-intensity applications often mean forklifts have more travel time, cover more distance, and have multiple duty cycles. This increases demand for tires and reduces cooldown periods, causing internal heat build-up. Tires with enhanced thermal capabilities are better suited for such applications. Overlooking this factor when choosing a non-marking solution could lead to thermal failure of the tires.
#5 Longevity and resistance due to rubber’s natural antioxidants
There are various processes manufacturers use to produce non-marking tires. Some compound recipes require harsh chemicals to achieve a lighter shade, while others use dyes (e.g., red or green tires) or minimal manipulation. The less the rubber’s natural antioxidants are tampered with, the better the age resistance of the final product.
#6 Maintaining color stability
When cooking, rubber naturally turns brownish. This is not noticeable in regular tires due to the black carbon added as a filler. Non-marking tires use lighter silica as a reinforcer. While white tires can be produced by adding bleach and chemicals, they often fail to maintain their white color due to dust, particles, or heat build-up. Grey non-marking tires are less sensitive to contamination and offer better resistance (UV), reducing what we call in material handling jargon “yellowing”.
#7 Anti-shock solutions for very high-intensity forklift operations
Due to silica being used as a filler, non-marking tires have insulating properties rather than being conductive like black tires. Static build-up in non-marking tires can lead to shocks of up to 50,000 volts, fires, and facility damage. Non-marking anti-shock tires offer a great solution to this issue. For more information, see our PON 775 NMAS.
This is the easiest and most obvious factor: non-marking tires should leave no tire marks or black dust behind. Otherwise, they would be regular tires. Camso non-marking tires ensure clean operation and are less sensitive to stains. Grey is a forgiving color as it blends with dust.
#2 Tire lifespan and overall performance
Non-marking solutions should not compromise tire performance. The natural rubber in our non-marking tires enhances technical performance, reduces chunking and cutting, and offers extra age resistance due to natural antioxidants. Producing a white non-marking tire with the same performance as grey non-marking tires would require higher-grade natural rubber, increasing costs and decreasing performance. Always inquire about the compounds, technical features, and performance when choosing tires. Given that performance depends on usage intensity, it’s important to first assess how intensively your forklift will be used. You can use our Usage Intensity Calculator.
#3 Lower rolling resistance, energy consumption and cost
Lower rolling resistance leads to better energy efficiency, reducing operational costs. This also means lower fuel consumption for gas-powered forklifts and increased battery life for electric forklifts.
#4 Thermal capabilities to lower heat build-up
Medium and high-intensity applications often mean forklifts have more travel time, cover more distance, and have multiple duty cycles. This increases demand for tires and reduces cooldown periods, causing internal heat build-up. Tires with enhanced thermal capabilities are better suited for such applications. Overlooking this factor when choosing a non-marking solution could lead to thermal failure of the tires.
#5 Longevity and resistance due to rubber’s natural antioxidants
There are various processes manufacturers use to produce non-marking tires. Some compound recipes require harsh chemicals to achieve a lighter shade, while others use dyes (e.g., red or green tires) or minimal manipulation. The less the rubber’s natural antioxidants are tampered with, the better the age resistance of the final product.
#6 Maintaining color stability
When cooking, rubber naturally turns brownish. This is not noticeable in regular tires due to the black carbon added as a filler. Non-marking tires use lighter silica as a reinforcer. While white tires can be produced by adding bleach and chemicals, they often fail to maintain their white color due to dust, particles, or heat build-up. Grey non-marking tires are less sensitive to contamination and offer better resistance (UV), reducing what we call in material handling jargon “yellowing”.
#7 Anti-shock solutions for very high-intensity forklift operations
Due to silica being used as a filler, non-marking tires have insulating properties rather than being conductive like black tires. Static build-up in non-marking tires can lead to shocks of up to 50,000 volts, fires, and facility damage. Non-marking anti-shock tires offer a great solution to this issue. For more information, see our PON 775 NMAS.
No matter what the industry, from food and beverage to pulp and paper as well as pharmaceutical: make sure to ask your dealer about these factors when seeking a non-marking solution for your forklift fleet to get the right tire for your application. At Camso, our non-marking tires are grey, but they also ensure a clean working environment, without sacrificing performance.
To know more about NM tires > Listen to this podcast interview or have a look at our complete range here
To know more about NM tires > Listen to this podcast interview or have a look at our complete range here
