To be able to help you choose the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following things: type of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; length of your standard 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe various characteristics of tires. It could help to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for applications which need regular maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for applications needing long runs, high speeds and multiple shifts. 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 as they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.