In order to help you choose the best Forklift Tire and Compound, we will ask you to think about the following factors: type of fuel utilized; weight of your typical load; length of your standard run; types 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 average speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some particular terms which are used. It is helpful to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for operations which need regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are constructed of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For use which need long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, it is best to have harder tires. 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 because they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general use.