In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; standard weight of load; standard length of your run; types of problems you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not 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 particular terms which describe various attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications that need regular maneuvering because 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 which tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use needing high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would wear better and last longer. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.