In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; standard weight of load; standard length of your run; types of problems 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are particular terms that describe various characteristics of tires. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for applications which require regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are better able to 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 have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For applications that require high speed, long runs and multiple shifts, 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 tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.