The purpose of the motiondynamics Bobcat Skid Steer Solid Rubber Flat-Proof Tires Guide is to educate you on the features and benefits that skidsteer flat-proof tires offer over conventional air-filled pneumatic tires.

Features and Benefits of Flat-Proof Tires

The chief features and benefits of skid steer loader flat-proof tires are as follows: no inner tubes to bust or puncture, no air pressure or leakage to worry about, resistant to tears and snags, impenetrable to nails, screws, glass, rocks, tools, staples, rebar, and metal shards, the ability to perform even when chunks are cut out, maximum floatation and traction because of deep lug (tread) design, and superior wear and durability all of which means no downtime on the jobsite and therefore no lost revenue or time wasted. The number one money waster on construction jobsites is equipment and machinery that cannot perform, or "downed machines." Choosing the proper skidder flat-proof tire eliminates the hassles of "downed machines" and maximizes total work output and jobsite work efficiency while simultaneously minimizing capital expenditures and lost revenue. A good bobcat flat-proof tire will have 3 to 5 times the life expectancy of a standard pneumatic tire and will perform continuously hassle-free thereby eliminating flat tires and downtime completely.

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Common and Special Applications for Flat-Proof Tires

The most common applications for the usage of flat-proof skid steer tires are general purpose landscaping, residential and commercial construction, jobsite clean-up, and storm clean-up. More specific environmental applications include: waste management and garbage disposal, metal recycling and scrap yards, mining operations, demolition sites, masonry and concrete construction, asphalt road and highway construction, foundries, glass handling, heavy industrial facilities, rock quarries, transfer stations, forestry and park services, farm and ranch services, military, civil defense, fire department, law enforcement, and police applications to name a few. Flatproof skidsteer tires can be used on the front of most backhoes, loaders, and skip-n-drags. It is also worth noting that unlike pneumatic tires, it is completely safe to run most over-the-tire (OTT) rubber tracks and steel tracks on flat-proof tires without the fear or possibility of rubbing the sidewall thin and puncturing the tire- this is an important point because the addition of tracks enables a machine to perform under a vastly larger set of operating conditions and environments. The omni-applicability of your machine by the addition of tracks enables you to save money by not having to buy or rent a dedicated compact track loader while also enabling you to earn more money by taking on jobs that a trackless machine could not handle- a win-win scenario for you.

Common Names of Flat-Proof Tires

It is important to educate and familiarize yourself with the common names used to describe and used to conduct internet searches for skidloader flat-proof tires: flat proof tires, flatproof tires, flat proof tyres (British variant), solid rubber tires, solid rubber press-on tires, press on tires, solid tires, semi-solid tires, semi-pneumatic tires, non-pneumatic tires, no-flat tires, flat-free tires, run-flat tires, foam-filled tires, foam inflated tires, industrial tires, OTR tires (off-the-road tires), relief hole tires, aperture tires, aperture hole tires, cushion tires, airless tires, air free tires, flatless tires, tubeless tires, inner tubeless tires, innertubeless tires, severe duty tires, extreme duty tires, poly-fill tires, all-terrain tires, rough-terrain tires, puncture resistant tires, puncture-proof tires, scrap yard tires, junk yard tires, junk yard dog tires, and even Swiss cheese tires.

Distributors, Manufacturers, and Brand Names of Flat-Proof Tires and Tire Products

In an effort to make informed purchase decisions and to shop wisely, it is helpful to know the major distributors, manufacturers, and brand names of skid loader flat-proof tires and tire products: motiondynamics, Bobcat Company, Chevron, Firestone, Bullman, Radmeister, McLaren, Solideal USA (Solid Deal), Unitrac, TY Cushion Tire, Superior Tire, Galaxy Primex (GPX), Industrial Tires Limited (ITL), Setco, Prowler, SPW Red Zone, AirBoss, SolidBoss, MegaBoss, SkidSteerSolutions (Skid Steer Solutions), Nu-Air Tyre, Nu-Air AT, Hulk, Beefy Baby L, Marathoner L, Boomer L, Galaxy L, Cushomatic, Setco Air Ride, Solid Flex, Brawler, Bobcat Twin Flex, Bobcat SuperFlex, CAT Flexport, Monster, Beast, Safetymaster, SKS Safetymaster, Safetymaster LAR, SolidAir SKS, PowerTrax, eTerra, Terra-Tires, Arnco Quickgel Tire Liner, Arnco UltraLite Foam Fill, Arnco Reseal Tire Sealant & Conditioner, Synair Flex Fill, and TyrFil (urethane foam compound).

Skid Steer Makes and Models Compatible with Flat-Proof Tires

As a tool is only as good as its ability to be used, top-quality loader flat-proof tires will fit almost all makes and models of skid steer loaders including, but not limited to: Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Kubota, Komatsu, Toyota, John Deere, Takeuchi, Volvo, Mustang, Thomas, ASV, Gehl, New Holland, Scat Track, TCM, Neuson Kramer, Hyundai, Fiat Hitachi, Daewoo, Doosan Daewoo, Ford, Hydra-Mac, JCB, Libra, Melroe, MZG, Owatonna, Patriot, Sky Track, Bulldog, Liberty, and others.

Determing the Flat-Proof Tire Size and Style That Your Machine Requires

Determining the exact tire size and style that your machine will require involves taking the following measurements in inches:

A) Center hole diameter                                      
B) Bolt circle diameter
C) Bolt hole diameter
D) Tire height/diameter
E) Tire size/width (on the sidewall)
F) Number of lug bolts (bolt holes)
G) OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) rim offset
H) Machine make, model, & year

Specifications, Capacities, and Details of Flat-Proof Tires

The most prevalent sizes of bob cat flat-proof tires are 10"x16.5" and 12"x16.5" with 8-bolt rims (wheels). The first number represents the tire tread width and the second number represents the rim (wheel) diameter. Common total tire diameters (height) are between 29" and 37". Though less common, there are also construction flat-proof tires measuring 8"x16.5", 15"x16.5", and 14"x17.5" with 6-bolt or 10-bolt rims (wheels), 20" rims (wheels), and various total tire diameters (height). Tire weight ranges are between 150 lbs. to 450 lbs. per tire with total weight bearing capacities of between 4,000 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. per tire. The average lug (tread) depth on flat-proof tires is between 1" and 2" with some tires made specifically with no tread or traction (smooth tires) for concrete and asphalt use. Materials used for manufacturing flat-proof tires range from petroleum based synthetic rubber compounds to specially cultivated natural rubber compounds (because of budget, customer value, and efficiency considerations, raw materials are most commonly sourced from Asia- Thailand, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore- however, product assimilation usually occurs in the US). The tire sidewalls can have holes, concavities, or apertures or can be completely smooth depending on the manufacturer- both styles of tires have their pros and cons.

Differences Between Types and Styles of Flat-Proof Tires: Pros and Cons

There are five main types and styles of skid steer loader flat-proof tires: solid rubber tires with holes in the sidewalls, solid rubber tires with multiple layers of varying density heterogeneous rubbers with smooth sidewalls (no holes), solid rubber tires with one homogeneous consistency rubber with smooth sidewalls (no holes), standard pneumatic tires with gel linings, and standard pneumatic tires with foam-filling.

1) Solid Rubber Tires with Holes in the Sidewalls

• Pros: mid-range pricing, works well in all applications, lighter than solid tires (if you need a lighter tire), very comfortable semi-pneumatic cushioned ride, because tires have sufficient give they can be used with most OTT (over-the-tire) rubber tracks and steel tracks, long life span, heavy duty dedicated rim included
• Cons: in extreme conditions, such as metal scrap yards, holes in sidewalls could become snagged on metal and tear, shorter life span than completely solid rubber tires, difficult to install/uninstall because of weight, cannot be re-capped/re-treaded

2) Solid Rubber Tires with Multiple Layers of Varying Density Heterogeneous Rubbers with Smooth Sidewalls (No Holes)

• Pros: best tire for extreme conditions like metal scrap yards because the sidewalls are completely tear resistant, works well in all applications, reasonably comfortable slightly cushioned ride, because tires are solid they have the longest life-span, heavy duty dedicated rim included
• Cons: highest priced tires, heaviest tires (unless you need the heaviest tires), because tires have minimal give they cannot be used with most OTT (over-the-tire) rubber tracks and steel tracks, difficult to install/uninstall because of weight, cannot be re-capped/re-treaded

3) Solid Rubber Tires with One Homogeneous Consistency Rubber with Smooth Sidewalls (No Holes)

• Pros: lowest priced solid tires, long life span, dedicated rim included
• Cons: limited applications, uncomfortable rough ride, heavy tire, because tires have no give they cannot be used with most OTT (over-the-tire) rubber tracks and steel tracks, difficult to install/uninstall because of weight, cannot be re-capped/re-treaded

4) Standard Pneumatic Tires with Gel Linings

• Pros: inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install/un-install, reasonably comfortable ride, some tires can be re-capped/re-treaded
• Cons: not truly flat-proof- sidewalls can be torn and gashed, short life span, rims not included

5) Standard Pneumatic Tires with Foam Filling

• Pros: convenient- any pneumatic tire can be filled, some tires can be re-capped/re-treaded
• Cons: just as expensive as most solid rubber tires, not truly flat-proof- sidewalls can be torn and gashed causing slow leakage of foam-filling, shorter life span than solid rubber tires, uncomfortable rough ride, because tires have no give they cannot be used with most OTT (over-the-tire) rubber tracks and steel tracks, difficult to install/uninstall because of weight, rims not included, potentially damaging to undercarriage, axels, and machine suspension

Care and Maintenance of Flat-Proof Tires

While it is true that flat-proof tires are practically indestructible, some common sense care and maintenance techniques can extend the life of your tires. Here are a few tips for care and maintenance of your flat-proof tires:

1. Make sure you order the right kind of semi-pneumatic tire for your machine and for the surface on which the machine will work.

2. Make sure you examine the tires as soon as you get them to check for manufacturer defects, incorrect sizing, shipping damage, or any other anomalies. Be sure to contact your dealer, distributor, or manufacturer immediately to report any issues.

3. Make sure you put the tires on the machine and try the tires out as soon as you get them to test for any sizing, fitment, and/or compatibility issues and to "get a feel" for how the tires perform- it may take you a while to get used to the tires.

4. Know the weight capacity of your tires- try not to overload the machine.

5. When operating the machine, limit the amount of skidding (doughnuts) as much as possible and try to avoid zero degree/zero radius turns- especially on concrete, pavement, asphalt, gravel, etc.

6. Keep tires clean in-between uses- wash off mud, debris, etc. (especially in aperture holes) and then pat dry. If tires come into contact with oil or petroleum products, wipe off with a rag as soon as possible.

7. Rotate tires periodically to even-out wear on lug (tread).

8. If not on the machine, store tires in a cool dry place- do not let tires sit unused in direct sunlight or in wet and/or damp areas.

9. Use manufacturer approved industrial strength protectant (not Armor-All).

10. Do not deliberately try to damage and/or destroy the tires to test them- you may injure yourself, the machine, and/or others and you will violate your tire warranty. Do not take the tires for granted- just because the tires can take abuse does not mean that you should not take care of them properly.

By following these simple care and maintenance techniques, you will sustain the quality and extend the life of your tires.

Lifespan and Replacement of Flat-Proof Tires

Almost all solid rubber flat-proof tires come standard with manufacturer, proprietary design, dedicated steel rims (wheels) and will generally feature a 50/50 offset, a 60/40 offset, or a 70/30 offset with a retaining ring- this means that when the tire needs to be replaced, you will need to purchase blanks (new, rimless, replacement tires) from the same manufacturer and, conversely, your rim (wheel) will not fit a different manufacturers tire. When the time comes to eventually replace your flat-proof tires, blanks (new, rimless, replacement tires) must be adhered to your rims (wheels) using a press at an industrial tire facility. A good flat-proof tire can last thousands of hours or years depending on working conditions and usage. Generally, flat-proof tires have 3 to 5 times the life expectancy of standard air-filled pneumatic tires. Reputable manufacturers and dealers will offer a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty against factory defects. Some manufacturers offer a free trial period or a money-back guarantee (motiondynamics and McLaren to name a few). Choosing the right brand, size, and style of tire is dependent on several factors including your machines OEM specs (Original Equipment Manufacturer specifications), your jobsite and working environment conditions, your personal taste and aesthetic judgement, and your budget.

Cost and Pricing of Flat-Proof Tires

The typical cost of high-quality skid steer flat proof tires is between $1750.00 to $4500.00 a set- depending on brand, size, style, geographic location, and dealer. Wholesale, retail, internet, and brick and mortar prices all vary greatly. Most commonly, the best deals are to be found from wholesale dealers on the internet. eBay is the best venue to begin your search for flatproof skid steer tires and, usually, the best place to end your search with a money and time saving wholesale purchase.

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This Guide is TM & Copyright 2007. Stephen Wargel, CEO, MOTION DYNAMICS, LLC, motiondynamics, & motiondynamics Online Auctions. All Rights Reserved. Duplication is strictly prohibited.