To be able to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; average length of your run; kinds of problems you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe various characteristics of tires. It can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to 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 made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that require regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For use which need multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, it is best to have harder tires. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will wear better and last longer. 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.