To be able to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following things: kind of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your standard run; kinds of problems you are having; kind 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
There are particular terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally 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 give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications that need frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use which 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 would 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 since they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.