In selecting the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into account: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether your forklift operates over dock plates; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various attributes of tires, there are some particular terms that are used. It can help to know what precisely 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 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 preferable for operations that need regular maneuvering since 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 have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for applications requiring high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. 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 because they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.