To be able to help you select the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following things: kind of fuel used; typical weight of 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; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe various attributes of tires. It is helpful 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 would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations that need regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For applications which require 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 wear better and last longer. 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 provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.