In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into consideration: type of fuel utilized; standard weight of load; average length of your run; types of problems 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are particular terms that describe different attributes of tires. 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. Most 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 which need frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need 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 than hard tires.
For use 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 wear better and last longer. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They tend to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.