In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: type of fuel used; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; types of problems you are having; kind 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe various attributes of tires. It can help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations that need regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to 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 will last longer and wear better. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They tend to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.