In choosing the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; typical weight of load; length of your standard run; types of problems 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 be able to describe various attributes of tires, there are some particular terms that are utilized. It can help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The driver could have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are preferable for applications that require regular maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are constructed of softer compounds which tend to heat up and wear more quickly compared to hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications requiring 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 are less forgiving of floor debris and give a less comfortable ride. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to utilize Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.