In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into account: type of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your standard run; types of issues 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 top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
To describe different characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are utilized. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that need frequent maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use which require long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, it is best to have harder tires. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will wear better and last longer. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.