To be able to help you select the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following things: type of fuel utilized; weight of your typical load; typical length of your run; kinds of issues you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether 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 specific terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It can help to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with 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 operations that require frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For use which require high speed, long runs and multiple shifts, it is best to have harder tires. 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.