In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; kinds 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 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 will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for applications which require regular maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
For applications 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 would 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 as they offer less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.