Tires & Tracks Showcase
Solideal Hauler SKZ Skid Steer Tires
Tires are among the most critical consumable items on a skid steer loader. In your selection process, consider one of Solideal’s best problem-solving skid steer tires: the Hauler SKZ. It features an innovative, deep non-directional tread pattern that maximizes durability and traction on a wide variety of surfaces. With a heavy, reinforced sidewall and premium natural rubber compounds, this tire will minimize flat tires and downtime to provide you with the lowest operating cost solution (LOCS). Solideal is a global leader in tires for the compact construction equipment industry and enjoys strong relationships with some of the best known brands. Solideal can bring tailored solutions to help users overcome tire problems and get construction jobs done. Please contact a Solideal representative or an authorized Solideal dealer to discover what it can do for you or visit www.camoplastsolideal.com.
Case Construction Solid Flex Skid Steer Tires
Air may be free, but the cost of running on pneumatic tires is not. Flat tires, bent rims and normal wear result in frequent tire replacements and lost productivity. Case Construction Solid Flex skid steer tires can be a solution. These rugged, solid wall tires never go flat because they don’t use air. Solid Flex skid steer tires will last at least three times as long as comparable pneumatic tires, yet they feel like you’re riding on air. With 2-in. deep tread and 6-in. sidewalls, Solid Flex tires are made from a single piece of ultra-thick rubber that resists both chunking and tearing. Elliptical holes in the rim deliver the same smooth stable ride of a pneumatic tire, and allow you to easily power through difficult conditions. For more info, visit www.casece.com.
Mattracks Rubber Track Conversion Systems
Mattracks refers to its rubber track conversion system as the “most extreme off-road accessory available.” Equipping your 4×4 vehicle with Mattracks provides an incredibly capable, four-track-drive, on/off road machine. Besides being environmentally friendly, it is the most technologically advanced, independent, rubber track system found anywhere in the world, says the company. Mattracks has an added bonus: Its system can be installed on most four-wheel drive vehicles in roughly an hour. Mattracks now introduces the newest Track Conversion System to its lineup. The 65M1-A1-TC is designed exclusively for the Bobcat Toolcat. This four-wheel drive, four-track steering system makes this a pretty cool add-on. For more info, call 877.436.7800 or visit www.mattracks.com.
Titan Stubble Guard
Titan Tire Corp. is pleased to announce the release of the Titan Stubble Guard implement tire. Designed with improved stubble-resistant compounds, eight plies and four Kevlar belts, the Stubble Guard tire boasts superior resistance to damage from sharp stalks when compared to standard-ply tires, making it the ideal solution for no- and low-till fields. With the Titan Stubble Guard, farmers can expect less downtime, prolonged tire life, increased load capacities and better productivity in severe applications. The Titan Stubble Guard tire is now available in four sizes — ranging from 9.5L-15SL to 12.5L-15SL — and ply ratings ranging from 16 to 20. For more info, visit www.titan-intl.com.
Loegering Versatile Track System
With the Terex Loegering Versatile Track System (VTS), skid steer operators can have the best of both worlds — tires and tracks. VTS offers skid steer operators the ability to run their machine with tires or as a full rubber track undercarriage system with suspension, depending on the application. Operators are able to convert their skid steer loaders to a track loader in under an hour. VTS is a complete rubber track undercarriage that bolts directly to a skid steer’s standard hubs. It utilizes forward placement of the front idler wheel to maintain flotation, as well as stability. VTS tracks provide bi-directional suspension, which adjusts independently from one side of the machine to the other. The suspension automatically forces the track undercarriage to the ground maximizing track footprint, evenly distributing horsepower on uneven terrain. For more info, visit www.loegering.com/tracksystems/vts.asp.
Michelin X Tweel SSL
Michelin is now distributing the Michelin X Tweel SSL, a non-pneumatic mobility solution for skid steer loaders in the landscaping, construction, contracting, refuse/recycling and agricultural industries. The Michelin 12N16.5 X Tweel SSL hub design is universal and can be fitted on most skid steer loaders. It is available in the United States and Canada as a no compromise solution for skid steer owners. Introduced by Michelin in 2005, the Tweel (a tire and wheel assembly) is a single unit replacing the current tire, wheel and valve assembly. It replaces the 23 components of a typical radial tire and is comprised of a rigid hub, connected to a shear band by means of flexible, deformable polyurethane spokes and a tread band, all functioning as a single unit. The Michelin X Tweel solves the problems of flat pneumatic tires. For more info, visit www.michelintweel.com.
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Tire Tips
Alleviate the Stress on Machine Wheels with these Seven Maintenance Tips
Compiled by CE Staff
1. Conduct a visual inspection of your vehicle’s tires prior to operation. Look for signs of irregular wear in the tread or shoulder of the tire and examine the tire for bubbles or bumps caused by air infiltration or foreign objects.
2. Check tires for correct air pressures. Perform this step daily on vehicles in constant use because air pressure is critical to a tire’s performance. Check air pressure weekly on vehicles with less demanding schedules.
3. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine precise air pressure. It should provide initial data on the weight of the vehicle and standard load. Your tire distributor can help pinpoint the exact air pressure recommendations for your tires based on the manufacturer’s requirements and the application in which the vehicle is being used.
4. Never weld or apply heat to parts of the wheel near the tire. Heat causes serious damage to tires and can cause them to explode. Tires should always be removed before these types of procedures are conducted.
5. Store tires properly when they are not in use. Place them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid premature aging. Also, prevent exposure to ozone sources such as sun, arc-welders and mercury vapor light bulbs, as well as ultra-violet rays and inclement weather. Store tires standing upright on the tread and avoid stacking, which can weaken the tires on the bottom of the stack.
6. Deflate the inner and outer tires of a twin fitment before removing any rim fixture from the hub of the vehicle.
7. Avoid mixing tires on your vehicle. Pairing a normal tread depth with a deep tread depth or a bias-ply tire with a radial could cause damage to the vehicle’s internal components.
