In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; typical weight of load; average length of your run; kinds 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
There are particular terms which describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what precisely 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. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications that need regular maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For applications which require multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient since they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.