In choosing the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into account: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your standard run; kinds of issues you are having; type 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To describe various attributes of tires, there are some particular terms that are utilized. It can help to know what 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. The majority of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which need regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.