In selecting the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; typical weight of load; standard length of your run; kinds of issues you are having; kind of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; percentage of time and number of shifts the forklift is loaded; and the top speed and the average speed of your forklift
To describe different attributes of tires, there are some specific terms which are used. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which need regular maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications which need multiple shifts, high speed and long runs, it is best to have harder tires. 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 recommended as all-around tires for general use.