In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; typical weight of load; typical length of your run; kinds 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
To be able to describe various characteristics of tires, there are some particular terms which are used. It is helpful to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally 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.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which need frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications requiring long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For use that require 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 since they provide less resistance.
Universal Compound tires combine advantages and are recommended as all-around tires for general applications.