In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: kind of fuel utilized; average weight of load; standard length of your run; kinds of problems you are having; type 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
There are particular terms that describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which require frequent maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For applications 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 would 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 because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.