In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into account: kind of fuel used; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues you are having; kind 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 top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are certain terms which describe various attributes of tires. It could help to know what precisely 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. Most 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 preferable for applications which require regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use needing long runs, high speeds and multiple shifts. 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 since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.