In order to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel utilized; weight of your typical load; standard length of your run; types of problems 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number would 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 offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that need frequent maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. 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 tend to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.