In order to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following things: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; typical length of your run; types of problems 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually 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 operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations that need frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could 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 more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use requiring high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would last longer and wear better. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.