In order to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following things: kind of fuel used; standard weight of load; typical length of your run; types of problems 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 top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some specific terms which are utilized. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to 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 today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations that require regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for applications needing high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would last longer and wear better. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.