In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; standard weight of load; typical length of your run; kinds 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe different attributes of tires. It can help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which need regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use that require long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.