Yokohama debuts Galaxy-brand low-vibration forklift tire

WAKEFIELD, Mass.—Yokohama Off-Highway Tires America (YOHTA) has introduced a severe-duty solid forklift tire, the Galaxy MFS 101, that offers enhanced rider comfort and a heat-dissipating tread compound/design.

The tire's compound offers long-lasting wear on hard surfaces, ideal for warehouses and ports, the company said, as well as more rubber above the 60J wear limit and a high-performance steel bead design to transfer torque with reduced slip, the tire maker said.

The MFS 101 SDS is available in 28 sizes, covering rim diameters of 8 to 15 inches.

"The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS is the answer to customers' need for a comfortable, high-performing, long-lasting solid tire that is versatile enough for smooth surfaces both indoors and outdoors and tough enough to operate 24 hours a day on heavy duty forklifts," Dhananjay Bisht, YOHTA product manager for earthmoving, construction and industrial tires, said.

"When you look at the Galaxy MFS 101, you immediately see the zig-zag contour of the continuous center lug, which enhances the stability of the massive centerline while adding surface area to the grooves on either side of it to dissipate more heat," he said.

"We designed the center lug to minimize vibration, fine-tuning our design until vibration was significantly below that of competitors' tires."

The two circumferential grooves also improve steering and cornering, he said, adding that the shoulder lugs of the MFS 101 are spaced to optimize traction, improve cornering and bleed off more heat. The shoulders of the MFS 101 are also siped all the way to the edges for added grip on smooth surfaces.

Stability is also enhanced by the high degree of compound uniformity, the product of a manufacturing process and highly advanced compound chemistry, he said. A heavy-duty central tie bar stabilizes and reinforces the tread for added strength under heavy stress.

The tire features a high-strength steel bead package across the rim area to reduce wheel slip.

The solid construction features three layers: a durable base for stability and firm grip on the rim, an inner cushion that enhances rider comfort, and a wear-resistant tread compound for long service and traction on hard surfaces, the company said.

The stability, cushion layer, compound package and unique tread design combine to reduce vibration and improve driver comfort, Bisht said.

"Operator comfort is more than just a sign of a pleasant workplace — it's a safety issue for operators as well as other workers," he said. "Operator health, efficiency, accuracy and productivity can all be affected by reducing vibration and improving ride and performance. The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS takes performance and comfort to a new level, around the clock."