Chattanooga, Tennessee -- Tyre-fill manufacturer Pathway Polymers recently published a white paper "Polyurethane-filled pneumatic (foam-filled) tyres versus solid tyres - a comparative performance overview."
This paper compares the benefits and value propositions of polyurethane-filled pneumatic tyres (commonly referred to in the industry as foam-filled tyres) and solid tyres. The strengths and weaknesses of both products have long been debated, says the company.
With input from some of the largest original equipment manufacturers, aftermarket customers, rental companies and tyre dealers with decades of tyre industry experience, Pathway's study compares the two products using the following criteria: cushioning, floatation, shock resistance, stability, wear, abrasion, durability, traction and cost.
Current and potential users and dealers will be able to see how to determine the best option for each application, says Pathway, noting that "It is important to understand that there is a market for both products, but it is difficult to directly compare the two."
Determining the best option depends on the application. Each use requires a specific tread, durometer and stiffness of tyre, the company explains. Pathway notes that solid tyres perform well in certain applications, but the greatest advantage of polyurethane-filled pneumatic tyres is the availability of many combinations of tyre sizes, tread patterns, polyurethane fill hardness and inflation pressures for the operator to choose from and customise according to each application, says Pathway.
The company points out that any of its trained TyrFil dealers can assist the selection of the best value flatproofing solution.
See www.pathwaypolymers.com for more information.
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