Solid Tires: Construction & Application

Pneumatic tires, or tires that are inflated, are by far the most common tires used on passenger vehicles like yours. However, not all tires are filled with air. There are many other types of vehicles, construction equipment, for instance, that use solid tiressolid tires. As you might have guessed, solid tires are very different from inflatable tires.

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Construction of Solid Tires

Solid tires, also called airless tires, are manufactured using a few different methods. One approach involves creating solid tires on a frame or metal wheel structure, which is then mounted onto a specific vehicle. Another method is making solid tires compatible with rims designed initially to support pneumatic tires.

Solid tires differ in two essential aspects: the rubber compounds used for their construction and the purposes they serve. Manufacturing solid tires results in products that are incredibly hard and durable, often featuring a slick tread design. These tires are not only robust but also pliable enough to perform at high speeds. Moreover, they can have modern tread designs and capabilities.

Instead of the curing process used for pneumatic tires, solid tires are built by rolling thin layers of rubber onto a metal frame and then pressing them through a hydraulic system. This process solidifies the form and ensures the rubber holds. Each time the wheel completes a full rotation, another layer is added. The thickness of these layers varies depending on the tire's intended application.

After the tire reaches the appropriate size, it is placed into a mold and heated to allow the rubber to vulcanize. The mold also imprints the tread on the solid tire. For solid tires mounted on rims that can also accommodate pneumatic tires, a special hydraulic mounting press is required to fit the tire onto the wheel.

Applications of Solid Tires

Solid tires are employed in numerous applications. They are predominantly used in industrial settings on large tractors and trucks that frequently encounter road and ground hazards. These vehicles often operate in construction zones, where various metals, scrap, nails, screws, and other hardware can puncture tires on heavy, load-bearing vehicles. Recycling centers and landfill operations also use solid tires to transport large quantities of material through hazardous terrains.

Solid tires are versatile and are used on smaller equipment as well. Forklifts rely on solid tires for stability and the ability to transport heavy loads. Even smaller applications include bike tires and lawnmower tires. Solid tires are also utilized on casters for various purposes, such as furniture and cinematic camera dollies.