In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: kind of fuel used; average weight of load; typical 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 normal speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are utilized. It could help to know what 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. Nearly all of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications which require regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to 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 tend to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.