In order to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your typical run; types of issues 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The driver could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications which require frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For applications which require multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, it is best to have harder tires. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will last longer and wear better. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.