In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; average length of your run; types of issues you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some particular terms that are utilized. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which require frequent maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will wear better and last longer. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.