In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into account: kind of fuel utilized; standard weight of load; length of your standard 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms that are utilized. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made these days 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 which require regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use needing multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. 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 provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.