To be able to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following things: type of fuel used; standard weight of load; typical length of your run; kinds 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 average speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which require frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. 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 tend to be more energy efficient as they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.