In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; average weight of load; average length of your run; types of issues you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not 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
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms that are used. It could help to know what precisely 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. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that require regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For applications which need 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 as they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.