In choosing the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; average weight of load; length of your standard 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
To describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are utilized. 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 increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations which require regular maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For use 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 because they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.