In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some specific terms that are utilized. It could 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.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications which need frequent maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For applications which need 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 will 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 offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.