In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: kind of fuel utilized; average weight of load; typical length of your run; types of issues you are having; type 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
To be able to describe different characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are utilized. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that need frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For use that need 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 wear better and last longer. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.