Armored vehicle – Bullet Proof & a Soft Ride!

It is not unusual for the state Military Police operating armored vehicles in the “flavelas” of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to encounter gunfire from drug traffickers as they patrol this hilly terrain. 

This time however, shots from an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle did not cause  flat tires and the Military Police were able to complete their mission without fear of abandoning their vehicle due to flat tires.

Compared to solid rubber tires, the softer durometer foam fill used, SuperFlex, was able to provide a flatproof option reaching speeds up to 55mph with the proper deflection and ride comfort to both the vehicle and operator. 

Commonly referred to as foam fill, tire fill, and poly fill, Arnco’s patented products reduce downtime related to punctured tires or flat tires.  The liquid polyurethane is pumped into the tire through the valve stem until it replaces all of the air which now results into a solid tire, but with a softer ride than a solid rubber tire.  The result are flatproof tires that improve the productivity of the equipment.

Start Clean!

One of  the most important aspects of getting into the tire fill business, is to start with the proper tire fill area. 

The first step is a temperature controlled, ventilated room with plenty of good lighting that is easily accessible by a forklift.

That is the great start, but keeping it clean and operational is an everyday process.  Educate your processors on the importance of being a professional, as well as keeping the work area safe and clean.  Tire filling is an easy job as long as you do the necessary clean up steps, both when you have a spill and when you complete filling tires and prepare the pump for shutdown.

All of these steps are also listed in your Arnco Tire Flatproofing Technical Manual.

A safe and clean environment will keep your tire fill business simple and profitable.

If you have any other issues, please contact the territory manager for your area at 1-800-821-4147.

SuperFlex replaces solid rubber tires and increases load capacity

At a transfer station for commercial garbage in Northern California,  solid rubber tires were transferring so much force back into the loader, that the frame actually cracked and the ladder to climb into the loader fell off and had to be welded back on.  Pneumatics were not an option as flat tires were costing over $150 per week.

Superflex, a softer durometer tire flatproofing material was then tested on all four 26.5 – 25 tires with L-5 slicks put on the front for longer wear characteristics.  Each took about 2,000lbs of this softer material and because of its unique load deflection characteristics, were able to provide a more air like ride.

A few months went by before the salesman followed up and was told that, the fuller footprint allowed for better traction and they were now able to carry a larger load.