To be able to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following things: type of fuel used; typical weight of load; length of your standard run; kinds of issues 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 certain terms that describe different attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what exactly 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. Most of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that need frequent maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use needing 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 have the tendency 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 which combine a lot of advantages.