In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into account: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your typical load; typical length of your run; kinds of problems 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms that are utilized. 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 will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all 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 operations that need frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. 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 because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.