In order to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following things: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard 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; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are certain 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 will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that need regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications which need high speed, long runs and multiple shifts, it is best to have harder tires. 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 since they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.