In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; types of issues 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 normal speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically 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 regular maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use needing multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would wear better and last longer. 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 recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.