What are the applications of Solid Tires?

According to domestic and international data, solid tires, with their irreplaceable superior performance, are increasingly being used in various fields, including production and distribution. Initially used in industrial vehicles like forklifts and trailers, they have gradually expanded to include construction vehicles, engineering machinery, and airport and port vehicles and equipment. This application range continues to expand, particularly in harsh environments, such as ports and docks where specialized materials are loaded and unloaded. Solid tires have become an indispensable necessity, particularly in harsh environments such as ports and docks. Although more expensive than pneumatic tires, their performance and lifespan are unmatched by pneumatic tires. Their superior cost-performance ratio has led to their gradual replacement in low-speed vehicle applications. 

Here is a brief overview of the applications and characteristics of solid tires.

1. Forklifts,this was the original and most common application for solid tires. Forklifts of the same tonnage will have different tire requirements depending on the manufacturer and the environment in which they are used. For example, Linde forklifts offer greater flexibility and efficiency than other manufacturers for their 3-ton forklifts. Furthermore, customers who purchase Linde forklifts often use them frequently, placing higher demands on tires. This applies to applications such as freight yards and paper industries. Furthermore, special configurations of vehicles, such as those with 18x7-8 rear wheels on battery forklifts over 2.5 tons and 7.00-12 rear wheels on 4- and 4.5-ton forklifts, make ordinary solid tires inadequate.

2. Transport vehicles within ports and steel mills, these vehicles often operate in harsh environments and are frequently overloaded and used continuously. In some cases, due to site constraints, they may require tight turns. Due to twisting and continuous operation under load, tire blowouts and block loss are common risks. Common tire sizes include 8.25-20, 9.00-20, 10.00-20, 11.00-20, 12.00-20, 12.00-24, and some press-fit tires.

3.Loading Machinery,these are primarily used for shoveling ore, scrap, steel, and mineral powder in docks, mines, waste handling facilities, and steel mills. They are characterized by short, concentrated, and continuous operations, and require tires with excellent cut and puncture resistance. The main specifications are 17.5-25, 20.5-25, 23.5-25, 26.5-25 and 10-16.5, 12-16.5, etc.

4.Terminal lifting equipment,the main equipment for lifting containers in the terminal are reach stackers, gantry cranes and forklifts. The characteristic is that they operate continuously day and night. The main problem with tires is flat tires. The specifications are 18.00-20, 12.00-24, 14.00-24, etc.

5.Steel mill mixer, is characterized by continuous operation throughout the year. The main problems with tires are blowouts and aging cracks. The tire specifications are 12.00-20, 14.00-20, 14.00-24, etc. It is best to use smooth spoke tires for this type of tire.

6.Airport equipment, primarily includes boarding bridges and intra-airport transport vehicles. Sizes include 28x14x22, 36x16x30, 40x16x30 (boarding bridges), 200-8, 4.00-8, and 5.00-8, as well as smaller sizes such as press on and web type tires, such as 300x125.

7. Mining and smelting handling equipment, such as support trucks and forklifts used in coal mines, and anode trucks used in aluminum plants. These vehicles are commonly used for heavy loads and long-distance continuous travel, and therefore require web type tires. Specifications include 14.00-20, 17.5-25, 20.5-25, 12.00-20, and 18.00-25.

8. Road construction machinery, such as highway milling machines (cut and tear resistant), pavers (heat resistant), railway beam hoists, and bridge erection machines (heavy loads).

9. Aerial work vehicles, such as scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts, require tire sizes of 12x4, 15x5, and sizes of 385/65-24 and 445/65-24.

10. Military vehicles, such as tracked vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and driven wheels for tanks; missile transporters; and airport emergency repair vehicles. In short, solid tires are widely used, and different usage environments and conditions have different requirements for tires. For new users or special specification tires, it is necessary to understand the user's usage conditions to avoid tire damage due to incorrect tire selection.