In order to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; kinds of problems you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the average speed of your forklift
To describe various characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms which 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 increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which need regular 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 recommended. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use which need long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, it is best to have harder tires. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would last longer and wear better. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient because they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.