In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following factors must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; weight of your standard 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 normal speed of your forklift
There are certain terms that describe different characteristics of tires. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which require frequent maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing 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 tend to be more energy efficient as they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is suggested to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine a lot of advantages.