In order to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your typical load; standard length of your run; kinds of problems you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To describe different characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications that need frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use that require multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, it is best to have harder tires. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will wear better and last longer. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They tend to be more energy efficient because they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.