In order to help you choose the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your standard run; types of issues you are having; kind 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 describe various characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms that are used. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can 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 can better 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 tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use needing long runs, high speeds and multiple shifts. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would last longer and wear better. 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 provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.