To help you select the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel utilized; average weight of load; average length of your run; kinds of problems you are having; kind 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
To be able to describe various attributes of tires, there are some specific terms which are utilized. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The driver could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for applications which require regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. 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 as they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.