In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: kind of fuel utilized; average weight of load; length of your standard 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 average speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe various attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications which need frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications which require multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, it is best to have harder tires. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would wear better and last longer. 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.