In choosing the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into account: kind of fuel used; standard weight of load; average length of your run; kinds of problems you are having; type 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
To describe different characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms that are utilized. It could help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which need regular maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For use that require long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient since they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.