In selecting the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into account: kind of fuel used; typical weight of load; standard length of your run; kinds of issues you are having; type 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms which are utilized. It could help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that need frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications which need high speed, long runs and multiple shifts, 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.