In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not 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 different 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 typically from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays 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 requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend 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 will 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 because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.