To help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following factors: kind of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether 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 can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that need regular maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for applications needing multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will 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 provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.