In selecting the right Forklift Tire and Compound, the following things should be taken into consideration: type of fuel used; weight of your typical load; length of your typical run; kinds of issues 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 normal speed and the top speed of your forklift
There are specific terms which describe various attributes of tires. It is helpful to know what they mean. The term Durometer means the hardness of forklift tires. The range is normally from 83 to 95, the number would increase which depends on the hardness of the tire. Nearly all of the tires manufactured nowadays fall within a couple of standard industry classifications.
Softer tires offer the driver a more comfortable ride. They are recommended for applications which need regular maneuvering since they offer better traction. They are could better tolerate driving over floor debris. For applications which need long runs and maximum speed, soft tires are not recommended. They are made of softer compounds that have the tendency to heat up and wear faster compared to hard tires.
For applications that need long runs, multiple shifts and high speed, 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 since they provide less resistance.
For general applications, it is recommended to use Universal Compound tires. These are all-around tires which combine various advantages.