In selecting the best Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into account: type of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your typical 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 top speed and the average speed of your forklift
There are specific terms that describe various characteristics of tires. It can help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is usually from 83 to 95, the number would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured today fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are preferable for operations which need frequent maneuvering as they provide better traction. They are better able to tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications that 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 compared to hard tires.
For use which require 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 will 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 offer less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires that combine various advantages.