In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into account: kind of fuel used; average weight of load; average length of your run; types 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
To describe different attributes of tires, there are some particular terms which are used. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means 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 driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications which require frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster 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 will wear better and last longer. 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.