In order to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; average weight of load; average length of your run; types of problems you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether 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
There are certain terms which describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority 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 that need frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which tend 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 since 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.