To be able to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; types of issues 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 that describe different characteristics of tires. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications that require regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing long runs, high speeds and multiple shifts. 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 as they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.