In order to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: type of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your standard 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe various characteristics of tires. It is helpful 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. Most of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that require regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring 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 than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for applications requiring high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.