In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; average weight of load; length of your typical run; kinds of problems 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 certain terms which describe various characteristics of tires. It could help to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is typically from 83 to 95, the number would increase that depends on the hardness of the tire. The majority of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the operator a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for operations which require frequent maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For uses which require maximum speed and long runs, soft tires are not suggested. They are made of softer compounds which have the tendency to heat up and wear faster than hard tires.
For applications 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 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 provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is better to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.