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16th Aug 2019
Question: What is the durometer as used in describing polyurethane tires?
Durometer in simple terms is a measure of the degree of hardness of non-metallic materials like rubbers, plastics, and polyurethane. Knowledge of a material's durometer is of great advantage especially in material handling as it can help you establish it's suitability for an application.
Durometer also known as Shore hardness is usually measured through the use of the shore A or the Shore D scales.The shore A scale measures softer (flexible) elastomers while the shore D measures the harder(rigid) elastomers.
The measurement is usually given as a number between 0 to 100 on the scales of A or D.
The measurement is usually done through the use of an instrument called the durometer that helps determine the hardness of a material by how much it is resistant to indentation.
Polyurethane tires are usually made of different compounds that have varying degrees of shore hardness. Let us take a look at some of them;
Compound: SPS ( Durometer: 85 - 87 shore A)
Benefits of SPS
SPS is a softer variety of polyurethane compounds thanks to its softer durometer. It, therefore, offers a great amount of cushioning against shocks and vibrations.
You can also expect polyurethane tires made of them to last longer since they are chunk and tear-resistant. They have a lower rolling resistance therefore they are great for battery life as they consume less energy.
They are ideal for smooth floors in loading docks, freezers and rough floors where they offer better traction.
Compound: Hyload (Durometer: 95-97 Shore A)
Benefits of Hyload
Unlike the SPS, Hyload comes with a much tougher durometer which is ideal for certain situations. For instance, they can handle more weight without developing flat spots.
They can withstand long runs and speed runs without experiencing meltdowns and blowouts since their structure allows them to dissipate heat naturally preventing heat build-up.
You will also love it that polyurethane tires made of them are resistant to wear and tear.
Compound: Megaload (Durometer: 97- 100 shore A)
Benefits of Megaload
Megaload is much tougher than all the other polyurethane compounds listed and therefore can carry up 25% more weight with zero flat-spotting.
Since it is built to resist heat build-up in its structure, you will find it ideal for long runs and speed runs.
In addition to this, it comes with a low rolling resistance which is ideal for battery life.
It is also much more durable thanks to the fact that it offers greater resistance to chunking and tearing
Compound: Vulkollan (Durometer: 91-94 Shore A)
Benefits of Vulkollan
Polyurethane tires made of this compound tend to be very durable so you can expect zero chunking or tearing.
It can handle higher load capacity than rubber tires with nil heat build-up that is known to lead to tire failure and this also makes them ideal for high speeds and long runs.
They also have a low rolling resistance which improves their ability to protect your forklift battery life.
Forklift Tire Company is one of the largest suppliers of forklift tires in the USA. We are happy to help you find the right tires for your forklift truck. Visit our online store here for great discounts or email us at sales@forklifttire.com, our customer service team is ready to assist you.