To help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following things: type of fuel utilized; standard weight of load; length of your typical run; types of problems 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 specific terms which describe various attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally 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.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations that need regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are can better 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 tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use 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 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.