In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel utilized; average weight of load; length of your standard run; kinds of problems you are having; type 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 top speed and the normal speed of your forklift
To describe various attributes of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It is helpful to know what precisely 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. Nearly all of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which require frequent maneuvering since they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for use requiring high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they will 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 since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are suggested as all-around tires for general use.