In choosing the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into account: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your typical load; average length of your run; types of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely 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. 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 preferable for applications which need regular maneuvering since they provide 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 which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications that require 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 would 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 as they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.