In choosing the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; standard length of your run; types of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether 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 specific terms that describe various attributes of tires. It can help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations which need frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to 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 would last longer and wear better. Hard tires are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They tend to be more energy efficient since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.