In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; kinds of problems you are having; kind 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 be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications that need frequent maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They tend to be more energy efficient since 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.