In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things must be taken into consideration: kind of fuel utilized; typical weight of load; average length of your run; kinds of issues you are having; type of surfaces the forklift runs on; whether or not your forklift operates over dock plates; number of shifts and percentage of time the forklift is loaded; and the normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are particular terms which describe different characteristics of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number increasing with the hardness of the tire. Most of the tires made nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications that require regular maneuvering because they offer better traction. They are can better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds that tend to heat up and wear more quickly than hard tires.
For applications which need 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 would wear better and last longer. Hard tires give a less comfortable ride and are less forgiving of floor debris. They have the tendency to be more energy efficient because they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine a lot of advantages.