To help you select the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel used; average weight of load; typical length of your run; kinds 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 top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are certain terms which describe various characteristics of tires. It can 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. Nearly all of the tires manufactured 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 regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
For applications which need 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They tend to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.