In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into account: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; types of issues you are having; type 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which need regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring 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 which require 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 will last longer and wear better. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.