To help you choose the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following things: type of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; length of your typical run; kinds of problems you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the average speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are used. It is helpful 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 which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured today 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 need regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
For use 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 will 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 provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.