In order to help you choose the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to consider the following things: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; typical length of your run; kinds of problems 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 top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
There are particular terms that describe various characteristics of tires. It could help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which require frequent maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
For use that 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 will last longer and wear better. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. 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 use.