To be able to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: type of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; average length of your run; kinds of problems you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
To describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are used. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which need frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.