In order to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your typical run; types 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 average speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe various characteristics 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 would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations that need regular maneuvering since they offer 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 which tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will 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 since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.