Skid Steer Loaders (SSL) perform a multitude of tasks in many different conditions; consequently, there are a wide variety of tire options available to maximize your performance. Factors such as tire construction (radial, bias, solid) and tread pattern (stud, block, knob) can make a big difference in tire performance and cost over the life of the tire. Tread depth is another important feature to consider when choosing the best SSL tire for the job. Here’s why “going deep” (into the tread) is an opportunity for many skid steer applications.
The advantages of extra-deep miniature tires
Tread depth for traction: Whether it’s the seemingly bottomless spikes on our Galaxy Muddy Buddy or the extra-deep block pattern found on our Galaxy Hulk, a deeper tread provides a larger biting edge, allowing a tire to miniature sticks to the ground better than a shallower tire. Working in conjunction with a tire’s tread pattern, deep studs also promote self-cleaning, helping a tire clear dirt, mud and slope for maximum traction on construction sites smooth or on the wet floors of the recycling center.
More durable tires: Deep tread tires generally last longer than their shallower counterparts. This is because tires with a deep tread have more rubber to wear out than tires with less robust construction. However, it is also important to consider the application and tread pattern when working to achieve maximum life. For example, a tire with a deep tread (like our Hulk) will last longer than a tire with a very deep bar tread (like our Muddy Buddy) if they work primarily on a hard surface like asphalt. . Conversely, the Muddy Buddy will outperform the Hulk when operating on the slickest, most sloppy terrain.
Improved puncture resistance: Another benefit of the extra rubber, and a reason for the long life of SSL Extra Deep Tread tires, is superior protection against downtime while working in puncture-prone conditions such as demolition, scrap and recycling sites of metals Simply put, using more rubber in a deep-tread tire offers more resistance to penetrating materials, increasing uptime and preventing machines from sitting idle while waiting for tire repair.
Low total cost of ownership: When used in the right application, extra deep SSL tires provide better traction (for lower fuel consumption and more efficient operation), last longer and are less likely to cause downtime, all this is in addition to tires with a lower total cost of ownership that provide a better return on investment.
The cons of extra deep tires
Not for all conditions: Although extra deep tread tires are a great choice for many applications, they are not suitable for all applications For example, for work on abrasive and improved surfaces, such as the concrete floor of a glass recycling center, a smooth tire is a better choice.
High speeds and long distances: Deep tread tires generate and retain more heat (the #1 enemy of tires) than low profile tires. Consequently, they are not ideal for jobs that require the machines to regularly perform heat-generating tasks, such as traveling at high speeds and covering long distances.
The Galaxy Hulk SDS
Built as an extraordinary version of our reliable deep-tread Galaxy Hulk, our Galaxy Hulk SDS is designed to excel while working in the toughest and most puncture-prone conditions and increase the performance of the solid deep-tread miniature tire average Unlike other miniature tires, the Hulk SDS is built with a 16-inch rim, while having the same outer dimensions as a standard 20-inch tire, giving skid owners/operators a tire with more rubber than their competitors. Other benefits include:
- A 58% deeper tread than standard miniature tires
- A massive chevron and block tread pattern that is over two inches deep
- 4x more usable rubber on the 60J line – the ultimate tire wear indicator
- Increased tread depth for increased longevity and puncture resistance
- More than double the life of the already long-lasting pneumatic Hulk
- A five-year warranty
go galaxy
We build application-specific tires to address the real-life challenges our customers face, which is why our Galaxy miniature tire range covers jobs across the spectrum from moving cobblestones to leveling yards to clearing debris at demolition sites and working with waste. Check out our blog, Miniature Tire Matching with the App, or contact your local dealer or representative today to find the right Galaxy tire for your miniature.
