In order to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; types of problems you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not 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
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are utilized. 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 would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The driver can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for applications which require regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
For use 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 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.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.