Telescopic Handler Tires: Solid -vs- Foam Filled

One of the biggest concerns for contractors is avoiding flat tires on their equipment. Therefore, it makes sense to look for a tire solution that fixes this problem. There are two main options: solid telescopic handler tires, and foam filled telescopic handler tires. Both will prevent flats, but there are still significant differences between them. Here are some of the main ones.

Foam Filled Telescopic Handler Tires

At first glance, foam filled telescopic handler tires can seem like a great solution to the problem of flats. Instead of being filled with air, foam filled telescopic handler tires are filled with thick foam. The foam won't leak out through small holes, like those made by driving over nails, and you will typically see a significant reduction in the number of flat tires. However, this comes with trade-offs and costs that you will likely find unacceptable over time if you run your telescopic handler long enough.

One of the biggest trade-offs is that foam-filled telescopic handler tires easily pick up sidewall damage the same as a pneumatic/air filled telescopic handler tire. When the damage is severe enough, the foam will start to squeeze out of the telescopic handler’s tire sidewall. This type of damage is common on construction sites and in industrial areas. Once it happens, there is no way to fix the telescopic handler tire. It must be replaced at HUGE expense. You will need to remove the telescopic handler tire off the machine, purchase a new telescopic handler tire, send the new tire out to be filled, and then install the new tire back on the telescopic handler. All this while your telescopic handler machine is out of service costing you expensive downtime. Another significant cost is the fact that the tire you replaced likely still had lots of wear life left in it, meaning that you’re never getting the value for your money. And if the other 3 tires tread depth is too worn compared to the new tire, you’ll need to replace all 4 telescopic handler tires. That’s a HUGE expense!!

Another unexpected cost associated with the replacement of foam-filled telescopic handler tires is higher labor expenses and service calls. That's because, unlike air-filled telescopic handler tires, foam-filled telescopic handler tires have to be cut off of the rim. This is a slow and demanding process that increases labour hours significantly, while the telescopic handler is out of service the whole time. Depending on what you'd normally be using that equipment for, the delay could cost your company thousands in downtime. While foam filled telescopic handler tires are a lower cost up front, they are typically significantly more over the lifespan of the tire.

Solid Telescopic Handler Tires

Solid telescopic handler tires are made entirely of a consistent rubber compound with no air or foam that can leak out of the tire. This has more benefits than simply preventing flats. There is nothing inside to leak no matter what type of damage a tire gets, so they never flatten under any circumstances. They can handle cuts and chunking without compromising the integrity of the tire. When it finally does come time to replace them, either the tire and rim can be replaced at the same time, a new tire can be pressed on or new segments can be installed if the telescopic handler tire is serviceable.

Other benefits of solid telescopic handler tires include traction, stability and extended wear life. Solid telescopic handler tires will typically have a taller, wider and deeper tread than pneumatic and foam filled equivalents because the absence of a tire casing allows for greater design possibilities. Stability is increased because there is no air or foam to leak out of the tire or cause bouncing if the machine hits a bump. The rubber also compresses at a consistent and predictable rate as it is loaded. Due to the increased lug sizes and typically harder rubber compounds solid telescopic handler tires will also typically have a longer wear life than foam filled telescopic handler tires; up to three or even five times in some cases.

What Makes Evolution Wheel’s Solid Telescopic Handler Tires Different?

Evolution Wheel’s EWRS-TH series of segmented telescopic handler tires take these benefits even further. Since no tire is completely invincible, we make ours with easy servicing in mind. This saves you significant amounts of time and money when the time does come to repair the tire. Our design ensures that you will likely never have to replace the entire tire, just repair it as needed if damage occurs.

The key to this benefit is that our telescopic handler tires are made of separate segments instead of being molded as a single unit. Each segment is separate from all of the others, so if one part gets damaged, you only need to replace that one segment. Each segment of our telescopic handler tire bolts onto the rims as individual pieces, so the tire can be fully fixed without even being removed from the machine. This design saves you the cost of an entire new tire and service call, your equipment can get back to work within just a few minutes and the operator can fix the tire on their own. 

Another benefit to Evolution Wheel’s segmented solid telescopic handler tires is that they easily conform to ANSI standards. When you replace a damaged segment, we can match your replacement segment to the rest of your tire depth measurements. Or if you have a spare segment in your toolbox you can grind it down to match the rest. It’s quick and easy all while keeping the tire on the telehandler. Replacing an individual segment is much cheaper compared to replacing an entire tire.

Another advantage to Evolution Wheel’s segmented solid telescopic handler tire is that it comes in two different tread patterns to match your application. A Hard Surface tread pattern for those mainly on concrete and other hard surfaces, and an All Terrain tread pattern for those in mud, sand, and rocks who need added traction.

Conclusion

To learn more about our segmented solid telescopic handler tires, contact one of the product specialists at Evolution Wheel and they can take an in depth look at your exact tire needs. We'll be glad to discuss with you our telescopic handler tires and other equipment tires in detail.