In selecting the correct Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your typical run; types 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
To be able to describe different attributes of tires, there are some specific terms that are used. It could help to know what precisely they mean. The term Durometer refers to 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 these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
The operator can have a more comfortable ride if the tires are softer. They are recommended for operations which require frequent maneuvering as 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 constructed of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications requiring multiple shifts, long runs and high speeds. They are better than soft tires for maximum loads, and they would wear better and last longer. 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 use.