Why More Customers are Choosing Solid Tires

From construction sites to scrap yards, the use of solid tires on skid steers is becoming more and more commonplace. Because solid tires feature a unique set of attributes when compared to pneumatic tires, they’re particularly well-suited for some applications, and are able to deliver everything from longer service time to less downtime. Below are some of the sectors that are driving the interest in solids and some of the reasons why solids are ideal for those industries.

Construction

The resurgence of the construction industry has been a major contributor to the increase of solid tire use. After a large chunk of the labor force fled the industry during the recession, workers haven’t returned nearly as fast as the business has. Faced with labor shortages, construction business owners need to make every moment count, and downtime—because of a flat tire, for example—is extremely damaging and costly.

Solid tires can last two to three times as long as a pneumatic tire, and they are puncture-proof, which is perfect for keeping machines running and construction teams focused on the task at hand. Even better, thanks to the superb durability of solids, they’re able to reduce the damage done to tires by inexperienced machine operators, which is ideal for an industry welcoming a new workforce.

Demolition

The rapid growth of U.S. cities, the aging of the nation’s infrastructure, and interest in new building projects have also led to more solid tires being used in demolition work. Whether it’s replacing an old building or rebuilding aging roads, solid skid steer tires excel in the broken pavement, rubble, debris, and rock found on demolition sites.

Thanks to their robust construction, solid tires can work without users worrying about punctures even in the harshest demolition sites, keeping productivity high, costs low, and projects on schedule.

Recycling Facilities, Waste Handling, and Scrap Yards

Recycling, waste handling, and scrap yards are other industries where the demand for solid tires is growing. Once again, it’s solid tires’ near-imperviousness to punctures that’s driving their popularity.

Tires are one of the highest maintenance costs for skid steers operating in these environments, as everything from harsh concrete and asphalt surfaces to puncture hazards from debris conspire to shorten tire life. Working in recycling, waste, and scrap is the definition of “severe duty,” and the ability of solid tires to take more than twice the amount of force to tear than a pneumatic tire makes them an ideal choice for this abusive application.

Dairies

Much like the other industries mentioned, time is money and downtime is unacceptable on today’s dairy farms. Here, again, solid tires shine in some of the most challenging conditions, as they can handle not just rough surfaces, but smooth ones, too—conditions that would prove overwhelming for many pneumatic tires.  

The tight confines of many dairies often result in spinning tires and lots of tight turns on abrasive concrete and paved surfaces, resulting in hastened wear. More so, the tight spaces found on dairies increases the chance of running into curbs and other hazards while managing feed and manure. Speaking of manure, dairy farmers also have to contend with the corrosive effect it can have on tires. Because of this, many dairy farms are choosing solid tires to reduce downtime, increase productivity, and lower their costs.

Landscaping, Ports, Mining, and More

The aforementioned industries are just a few of the applications that are putting solid tires to work reducing downtime and costs while increasing productivity and profits. Landscape contractors also find solid tires beneficial for projects that involve excavation of rock and pavement, and busy ports have discovered the dramatic effect that a reduction in downtime can have on keeping loading and unloading on schedule. The fantastic durability of solid tires is also highlighted in mining applications, where sharp rocks and debris constantly threaten punctures and tears.

As the use of solid tires continues to rise, so does the number of offerings in our Galaxy brand of severe duty solid (SDS) tires. In fact, many of your favorite Galaxy treads are now available in solid construction. To learn more about our line of Galaxy SDS tires, contact your local dealer today!