Solid vs. Pneumatic Skid Steer Tires: Which Is Best For Your Business?
Pneumatic tyres are a common option for construction, road work, and agricultural applications.
They are the least expensive choice for outfitting your equipment and also give the best riding comfort to the operator.
The apparent disadvantage with pneumatic tyres is that you will surely suffer a flat — and forecasting when and where that flat will occur is nearly impossible.
When you have a flat while working on a task, you have to consider not just the replacement tyre and labour installation expenses, but also the downtime of your equipment!
That being said, there are numerous situations where a high-quality pair of pneumatic tyres is ideal for your company’s needs.
By selecting this option, you also incur the lowest initial expenditures.
In terms of initial pricing, solid skid steers are more expensive than pneumatic tyres.
They do, however, provide some major benefits:
-There will be no flats!
When you equip your skid steer with solid tyres, you won’t have to worry about a flat as you would with pneumatic tyres.
-Pneumatic tyres wear out considerably faster than solid skid steer tyres. A good pair of solid tyres may last up to three times as long as a set of pneumatics. This is especially true in situations requiring heavy-duty service.
-Save money on labour and installation by purchasing solid skid steer tyres that are mounted on their own wheel rim. Installing them on your own PC is so easy that even your grandmother could do it (but don’t force her!). Make it yourself!)
Unfortunately, solid tyres do not give the same level of riding comfort as pneumatic tyres.
However, it is simply not efficient or cost-effective to risk continuously dealing with unexpected flats and quick deterioration of pneumatic tyre tread under abusive situations such as a scrap yard or similar heavy-duty commercial application.
One of the disadvantages of solid skid steer tyres, and the most typical reason why machine owners do not equip them, is the greater initial cost.
You already have to change your machine’s tyres because they are worn out or you suffered a flat – the last thing you need is a large expense for a new set of tyres!
However, in the long term, an investment in good tyres nearly always pays for itself and then some.
You no longer have to be concerned about unpredictability of machine downtime due to flats, nor do you have to continue paying labour expenditures for the installation of new pneumatics. Over the life of a pair of solid tyres, you will most likely discover that they save you a lot of money and certainly a lot of hassles!
Choosing the appropriate tyre for your business is influenced by numerous variables, including:
What kind of application is it?
How much total damage are the tyres subjected to?
What kind of terrain is it?
What is your financial situation?
It is up to you to choose what will work best for you and your company’s needs.
