In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; average weight of load; standard length of your run; types of problems 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To describe various characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms which are utilized. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which need frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for applications 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.