A Complete Guide to No Air Skid Steer Tires

Skid steers are compact, versatile, and popular in dairy farm applications, the construction industry, mining, recycling, demolition, landscaping, waste-handling, and more. Traditionally, they have been outfitted with air-filled or pneumatic tires. However, with many developments in machine technology, several options for attachments and tires are available to meet varied needs and specifications. Choosing between the tried-and-tested ones and the newer technologies that can have many benefits can be challenging. Read on to learn about the features and advantages of no-air skid steer tires to make an informed decision.

What are Flat-Proof Tires?

Flat-proof tires are also known as airless tires or solid skid steer tires. They are made of solid rubber and do not have air in them.

Top Benefits of Airless or Solid Tires

Since they do not have air, these tires eliminate the chances of flat tires.
Solid tires have a longer lifespan compared to pneumatic tires.
They offer a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The flat-proof tires have aperture holes, which allow the operator to have less rigid and stiff rides.

Rubber Compounds of Solid Skid Steer Tires

No air tires are typically made from unique rubber compounds and are ideal for commercial applications such as demolition, mining, construction, and waste transfer stations. Top-grade materials are used to manufacture a high-quality airless tire. Here are the crucial elements of a reliable and long-lasting solid flat-proof tire:

Natural Rubber
Solid tires usually have a high proportion of natural rubber. This helps to enhance the life of the tires even in severe environments. They can withstand more wear, and you can get more out of your skid steer tires.
Carbon Black
This is an essential ingredient for flat-proof solid tires. It helps to increase tire wear life, cut resistance and chunking resistance. Moreover, the wear results will be superior because this solid tire contains high-grade carbon black and top-quality natural rubber.
Mixing Compounds
Some airless skid steer tires have high-grade rubber compound ingredients and lower-grade ones. However, this often results in a lower quality product. It is wise to buy top-quality tires from a reliable supplier to avoid premature wear, chunking, and expensive breakdowns due to cheap skid steer tires.

4 Tread Patterns for No-Air Skid Steer Tires

Solid skid steer tires are available in many tread types to suit different working conditions. Here are the options you can choose from:

All-Terrain No Air Skid Steer Tires

If you work primarily on dirt, with some rocks and mud, all-terrain tires are ideal for your skid steer. They are the common tread type, designed to offer good traction on soft grounds. However, they may prematurely wear if you use them frequently on pavement or concrete.

Hard Surface Airless Tires

Working on hard surfaces tends to wear a tire quickly. If you work on job sites consisting of concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces, a specialized tread can help enhance the lifespan of your tires while maintaining some traction. Regular inspection and careful usage allow you to expect a 50% to 100% longer wear life.

Smooth Flat-Proof Tires

If you need more wear protection and are not concerned with traction, smooth tread solid tires are the perfect choice for your skid steer. They can help maximize the contact to the surface, distribute the load evenly over a greater area, and ensure a longer tire life.

Mud Skid Steer Tires

The soft surface and difficulty maintaining traction make it challenging to work on mud. These tires have deep treads to offer better grip onto the surface and enhance traction. They typically have large spaces in and around the lugs to enable quick and easy cleaning.

4 Types of Aperture Hole Designs for No Air Skid Steer Tires

Round Holes

The basic round hole design is a standard option because it helps reduce the rubber compound’s overall usage. Although some operators believe it offers a rigid operation, it works to cushion the ride.

Elongated Holes

The elongated holes on flat-proof steer skid tires are an upgraded version of the round holes. They have slightly more rubber and a more extensive profile, thus improving the cushioning and overall comfort. Additionally, the elongated aperture reduces the problem of stress cracking.

Staggered Holes

If you want airless skid steer tires that offer a smooth ride and more cushioning, staggered aperture hole tires are better than round or elongated holes. It allows the operator to be more comfortable, thus enhancing the overall productivity.

Specially Engineered Holes

This aperture hole design provides the same comfort, ride, and excellent cushioning as that of a pneumatic skid steer tire. This allows you to work smoothly while moving heavy loads. Additionally, it can help reduce bounce, improve machine stability, and resist stress cracking.

Buy Superior Quality Flat Proof Tires from Tag Equipment

Tag Equipment is a renowned supplier of attachments, tracks, and tires for skid steers. We feature an extensive inventory with reasonably priced products by major brands for all makes and models to meet varied needs.

Our selection of flat-proof skid steer tires includes the following:

Traxter HD

These extreme-duty solid tires can handle severe applications. They have massive tread lugs, a self-cleaning design, and a hard surface for excellent traction.

Traxter R4

This off-road traction tire is made using the highest quality synthetic and natural rubber compounds. It is durable and can outperform the life of a similar pneumatic tire by 3 – 5 times.

Traxter SM
These smooth, no-air solid tires are the best for working on hard surfaces and scrap applications. They ensure reduced downtime and provide long wear.