In order to help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel used; weight of your standard load; standard 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; 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 utilized. 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 increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations that need frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will wear better and last longer. 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 recommended to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.