In order to help you choose the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: type of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; standard length of your run; types of problems 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 describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are used. It can help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which need regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use requiring high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will last longer and wear better. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.