In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your typical run; types of problems you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe various characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations which require frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications 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 as they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.