To help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; average weight of load; average 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 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 exactly 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. The majority of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that need regular maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than 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 would wear better and last longer. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.