In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; standard length of your run; types of issues you are having; kind 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 average speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe various characteristics 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 increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all 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 that require frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to 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 tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.