In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into account: type of fuel utilized; standard weight of load; average length of your run; types of issues you are having; type 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe various characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications which need regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.