In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; typical weight of load; length of your typical run; types of issues 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
To be able to describe different characteristics of tires, there are some specific terms which are utilized. It can help 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 manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The driver can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations which need regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses requiring maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to 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 give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.