In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: type of fuel used; typical weight of load; length of your standard run; kinds of issues 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
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to 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 applications that need frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which 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 faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will wear better and last longer. 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.