In order to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following things: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; types of problems you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not 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 specific terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most 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 preferable for applications which need regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. 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 tend to be more energy efficient as they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.