In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into account: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; average length of your run; types of problems you are having; type 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 normal speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms that are utilized. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to 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. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays 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 need frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use which need multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, it is best to have harder tires. 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 tend to be more energy efficient as they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.