To be able to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel used; average weight of load; typical length of your run; types of problems 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
To be able to describe various attributes of tires, there are some particular terms which are utilized. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that need frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, 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 applications that 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 would last longer and wear better. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.