To be able to help you choose the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to consider the following factors: kind of fuel used; typical weight of load; typical length of your run; types of problems you are having; type 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To describe different characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are utilized. 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 increasing with the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which require frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are recommended for use requiring long runs, high speeds and multiple shifts. 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 have the tendency 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 which combine a lot of advantages.