In order to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; types 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
To describe different attributes of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It is helpful to know what 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. The majority of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which need frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use that need 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.