In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; average weight of load; length of your typical run; types of problems you are having; kind 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms that describe different attributes of tires. It could help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which require regular maneuvering because they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring 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 than hard tires.
For applications that require multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. 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.