In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues you are having; type 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 normal speed of your forklift
There are specific terms that describe various characteristics of tires. It could help 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 which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which require frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will 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 recommended as all-around tires for general applications.