In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: type of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your typical 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe various attributes of tires. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured 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 applications which require regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications that 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 last longer and wear better. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They tend to be more energy efficient since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.