To be able to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following things: type of fuel used; average weight of load; length of your typical run; types of problems 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are used. It can 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 will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which require regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use which require 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient since they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.