In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your typical 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms that describe different attributes of tires. It can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays 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 require frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For applications that need high speed, long runs and multiple shifts, 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.