To be able to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: type of fuel used; weight of your typical load; typical length of your run; kinds of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are specific terms that describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly 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. Nearly all of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that need regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications 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 more quickly than hard tires.
For use which need 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 wear better and last longer. 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.