In order to help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: type of fuel used; weight of your typical load; average length of your run; types of issues 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are certain terms which describe different characteristics of tires. It can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The driver can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for operations that need regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use requiring long runs, high speeds and multiple shifts. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will last longer and wear better. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general applications.