To help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel used; weight of your typical 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; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some particular terms which are used. 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 increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for applications that need regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will 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.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.