To be able to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel used; average weight of load; length of your standard 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms that describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that require frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For use which require long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.