In order to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following things: kind of fuel used; weight of your standard load; average length of your 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 certain terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It can help to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications which need regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications which need 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 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.