To be able to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following things: kind of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your standard run; kinds of problems you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not 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 specific terms which are used. It can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations which require regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need 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 faster than hard tires.
For use that need long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, it is best to have harder tires. 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 have the tendency to be more energy efficient since 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.