In choosing the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: kind of fuel used; weight of your typical load; typical length of your 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 normal speed of your forklift
There are certain terms which describe different attributes of tires. It can help to know what exactly they mean. The term Durometer refers to the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number will increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires made these days fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires give the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications that require regular maneuvering as they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses that need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
Harder tires are suitable for applications needing high speed, multiple shifts and long runs. 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 because they offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.