In order to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following factors: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; typical length of your run; kinds of issues you are having; kind 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe various characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications that require frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use 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 since they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.