In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors should be taken into account: 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
There are specific terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications that need 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 recommended. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
For applications that need 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 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.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.