28×9-15 Forklift Wheel Rim — Standard Fitment for 2.5-3.5 Ton Counterbalance Forklifts

This 28×9-15 forklift wheel rim is the industry-standard steel rim fitment for 2.5-3.5 ton counterbalance forklifts, the single most widely deployed capacity class in global material handling operations across warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, construction, and port terminals. The 28×9-15 specification — denoting approximately 28 inches overall tire diameter and 9 inches of rim width on a 15-inch bead-seat diameter — is specified as the default front and rear rim size by every major forklift manufacturer including Heli, Hangcha, Toyota, Komatsu, Lonking, Linde, Hyster, and Yale for their 2.5-3.5 ton IC and electric models. The wheel rim is a safety-critical structural component that performs multiple essential functions simultaneously: it provides the precision bead-seat interface that retains the tire under all load and cornering conditions, it transmits engine drive torque and braking force from the hub to the tire contact patch, and it supports the full rated load of the forklift plus dynamic forces from acceleration, braking, and cornering. A damaged, corroded, or out-of-round rim compromises every one of these functions — causing tire bead slippage, accelerated and uneven tread wear, vibration that fatigues steering and axle components, chronic slow air leaks in pneumatic applications, and in the worst case, sudden catastrophic rim separation that endangers operators and loads. Regular rim inspection and timely replacement are mandatory elements of any forklift safety and preventative maintenance program.

Manufactured from heavy-gauge structural steel (hot-rolled plate and coil, minimum yield strength 345 MPa), this rim is formed through a precisely controlled multi-stage manufacturing sequence. The rim barrel begins as a flat steel blank that is progressively cold-rolled through a series of forming dies to achieve the exact bead-seat profile, flange height, bead-seat angle, and central well contour specified for 28×9-15 tire mounting. The deep bead-seat flanges provide positive mechanical tire retention under the most demanding conditions — full rated load on the forks, aggressive cornering with mast tilted back, and emergency braking on graded surfaces. The center disc is stamped from structural steel plate in a single-hit press operation, then CNC-machined to achieve the precise bolt-hole positions (typically ±0.1mm positional tolerance), center bore diameter, and mounting face flatness required for wobble-free hub mounting. The disc is robotically positioned and continuously seam-welded to the rim barrel with full-penetration circumferential welds that are periodically sectioned and etched for destructive weld-quality verification. Post-welding, the entire assembly is shot-blasted to SA 2.5 standard to remove all mill scale and welding residue, given a zinc phosphate anti-corrosion pre-treatment, and finished with an electrostatic powder coat (nominal 80-120 microns DFT) cured at 200°C. Radial and lateral runout is measured with a dial indicator and controlled to within 1.5mm TIR (total indicated runout) to eliminate speed-related vibration that would compromise load stability and operator comfort.

Direct bolt-on fitment for every major forklift brand in the 2.5-3.5 ton capacity class: Heli CPCD25-CPCD35 and A30/A35 series; Hangcha CPCD25-CPCD35; Toyota 7FG25-7FG35 and 7FD25-7FD35 diesel and LPG models; Komatsu FG25-FG35 and FD25-FD35; Lonking LG25D-LG35D; Tailift FD25-FD35; and Linde H25-H35, Hyster H2.5-H3.5FT, Yale GLP25-GLP35 series. This rim accepts both press-on solid tires and pneumatic tires, providing operational flexibility for fleets that transition between indoor warehouse and outdoor yard environments. Always verify your existing bolt circle diameter (most commonly 6-bolt or 8-bolt patterns on 28×9-15 rims), stud count and thread specification, center bore diameter, and wheel offset (positive inset is typical for counterbalance forklifts) before ordering. Install with properly torqued lug nuts in a star pattern, re-torque after the first 50 operating hours, and inspect rims for cracks, flange deformation, and runout during every tire change. For matching solid tires, pneumatic tires, and tire mounting tools, browse our complete tire and wheel category. Reference OEM rim specifications and torque values at the Heli official website.

Technical Specifications

• SKU: RIM-28X9-15
• Size: 28×9-15 (711mm Overall Diameter × 229mm Rim Width, 15″ Bead Seat)
• Type: Forklift Steel Wheel Rim — Solid Tire & Pneumatic Tire Compatible
• Material: Heavy-Gauge Structural Steel (YS ≥345 MPa), Cold-Rolled Bead Seat, Robotically Seam-Welded, Zinc Phosphate + Electrostatic Powder Coat (80-120μm DFT)
• Runout Tolerance: ≤1.5mm TIR Radial & Lateral
• Application: 2.5-3.5 Ton Counterbalance Forklifts — All Major Global Brands

Compatible Forklift Brands & Models

Kingstream 28×9-15 wheel rims are individually wrapped in protective polyethylene film with high-density EPE foam rim-edge guards, then packed in reinforced double-wall export-grade corrugated cartons rated for containerized ocean freight. Every production batch undergoes a comprehensive quality control protocol: bolt-hole position accuracy verification using a dedicated PCD gauge fixture, center bore concentricity measurement with a dial test indicator, radial and lateral runout measurement on a balancing machine, powder coat thickness verification per ISO 2808, and coating adhesion cross-hatch testing per ISO 2409. Complete dimensional inspection reports and material certificates provided upon request. 12-month replacement warranty against manufacturing and material defects. Contact us for volume pricing, custom-color powder coating options (orange, yellow, green matching major OEM colors), or technical fitment confirmation with your specific forklift model and serial number.