The Benefits of Solid Tires in Both Smooth-Surface and Off-Road Applications
There are few places other than construction sites where the expression ‘time is money’ would be more applicable. On-time completion of a job, regardless of its size and scope, ranks high among the many success factors for a contractor, which in turn helps to avert the potential for immediate cost overruns and the loss of future business opportunities.
This is why any and all equipment allocated a project must be completely reliable; if that equipment malfunctions to any degree it can begin a domino effect that could eventually impact the successful completion of the job – and thus the contractor’s bottom line.
While any type of equipment failure can be quite frustrating, to say the least, a situation as simple as a flat tire can have substantial consequences. This is not like a flat tire on a private vehicle that can be repaired or replaced by calling a roadside assistance service; tires on construction equipment can be rather large and cumbersome to replace, not to mention that this work often needs to be done in off-road locations and conditions where access might be difficult and traction could be less than ideal for any service equipment.
To help avoid such situations and their potential ramifications, contractors would be well-advised to consider solid rubber, flat-proof tires for their construction vehicles. Although they have a higher price point than air-filled or foam-filled tires, solid rubber tires have been gaining traction (pun intended) in the construction market for a variety of reasons:
- Eliminate Flats
Bobcat solid tires are the ideal choice if you want to eliminate costly, time-consuming flats. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance and offer high performance. - Extended Life
No air skid steer tires are made of top-quality rubber compounds to increase their wear life. They are designed to have a three-times longer lifespan than other tires and do not require frequent replacements. - Increased Traction
Flat-proof tires are heavy, sturdy, and come with solid construction. They have extra-deep tread, providing more traction than pneumatic skid steer tires. - Reduced Downtime
An individual flat may take little time to repair. However, constant breakdowns due to punctures and frequent repairs increase the wasted time, reducing the machine’s productivity. It helps to know that solid tires are made to minimize the possibility of flats, fixing, and replacements. They are puncture resistant and can help reduce overall downtime, resulting in lower maintenance expenses. - Better Performance
The innovative technology of flat-proof skid steer tires is reflected in their performance. They offer better control in rough conditions, increased stability, and a smooth operator experience. - More Profit
Downtime due to flats and damaged tires during a project can be costly. Equipping your skid steer with high-grade solid tires can help eliminate the hassle of frequent tire changes, saving the money spent on breakdowns. This also helps to maximize productivity, thus boosting profitability. - Other Advantages
Flat-proof tires also offer the following unmatched benefits:- For smooth and off-road surfaces
- Bonded to rims to prevent tire slippage
- Less shock-related damage to the equipment
- No special equipment is needed for changing tires
- Smoother, more comfortable ride for the operator
- Added weight stabilizes machines (lower centre of gravity)
As a result of the superior durability, performance, and cost-efficiencies of solid rubber, flat-proof tires, they have become a popular choice with contractors and site supervisors, especially for small to mid-sized Bobcat skid steers and other compact equipment. Solid tires are proving their value in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to:
- Demolition
- Landscaping
- Construction
- Snow Removal
- Waste Transfer
- Metal Recycling
Construction vehicles and machinery equipped with durable, solid rubber, flat-proof tires can have a major influence on day-to-day productivity, time and deadline management, and most importantly, a contractor’s bottom line, regardless of whether that equipment will be operated on smooth, hard surfaces or in rugged, off-road locations.
3 Questions to Ask When Buying Solid Tires for Skid Steers
Which Applications are Solid Skid Steer Tires Ideal for?
When buying skid steer tires, knowing and identifying which type is suitable for specific applications is essential. In addition, understanding the intended purpose and benefits of different tires is wise for making an informed decision. Otherwise, you may end up with an incorrect set, wasting time, money, and other crucial resources. When it comes to solid tires for skid steers, they are perfect for various applications, including mining, recycling, and on construction sites because of their durability. They are widely known for no-flat and zero-downtime tires.
What Are All-Terrain Solid Skid Steer Tires?
These tires are unique and designed for versatile ground conditions. However, they work best on slightly muddy terrains and in the dirt. Also, using them more often on paved and concrete surfaces may result in premature wear. Thus, it is wise to use them more for off-road operations.
When Should You Purchase Smooth Solid Skid Steer Tires?
Skid steer tires featuring no tread details provide the best tread life. These solid tires can help eliminate the chances of tread flexing and help prevent premature wear. However, it helps to know that they do not offer the best traction due to the absence of tread patterns. This is why they are ideal job sites where traction is not a priority.
EXPLORE OUR EXTENSIVE INVENTORY OF SOLID FLAT-PROOF TIRES
Despite the superior durability, among other benefits, of solid tires compared to air-filled or foam-filled, contractors should not become complacent about the specific type of solid tires to have installed on the skid steers and other compact construction equipment from such manufacturers as:
- Gehl
- John Deere
- Kubota
- New Holland
- Volvo
Because these flat-proof tires will be continuously tested, and thus must be reliable, on a daily basis, it will be important for contractors to select the appropriate tires for the type of work to be performed; and the compact equipment specialists at Tag Equipment can provide the information and insight that contractors might need to help choose the solid tires best suited to their respective needs.
Tag Equipment maintains an extensive inventory of solid rubber, flat-proof tires including the following top-quality products from Camso (formerly Camoplast) and Traxter:
- Camso
- SKS 792S – durable off-road tire for Bobcat and other makes of skid steer loaders
- SKS 782S – stepped-tread design for excellent clean-out, better off-road traction
- Traxter
- XD – hard-surface tire with excellent traction; the longest-life solid tires available
- R4 – has 3-5 times longer life than air-filled tires; ideal for the toughest job sites
- SM – smooth-tread solid tires for hard-surface use; long wearing, little downtime
For additional information on the range of solid rubber, flat-proof tires available from Tag Equipment, please visit our Solid Wheels & Tires page.
Want to make the correct choice of solid tires for your Bobcat skid steers or other types of compact equipment? Call the specialists at Tag Equipment at 416-716-5850 today to consult with one of our experienced representatives.
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