In order to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means 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. The majority of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which need regular maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications requiring high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.