In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: kind of fuel utilized; standard 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 particular terms that describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications that require regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will 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 because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.