Comparisons of common industrial wheel types

Semi-pneumatic tires are also Flat Free because they don’t go flat, but they do not provide the bounce or cushion of flat free or air-filled tires. These tires are made of solid rubber with a hollow air-pocket through the center of the tire. The air pocket is built into these molded tires, so unlike air-filled tires, they have no tubes or valve stems and cannot be inflated. The air-pocket helps keep the price point down and makes the tires lighter in weight than a completely solid tire. Semi-pneumatic tires are, generally less expensive than polyurethane tires and are best used on solid flat surfaces that are free from rocks and other debris that might stop a stiff wheel. Semi-pneumatic tires are often used on applications such as industrial hand trucks, lawn mowers, and other small lawn and garden equipment where tire cushion and performance is not as critical.

Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires
Air-filled tires provide great performance and are a less-expensive replacement tire option. Though they require more maintenance, they are cost-effective and provide a great bounce and cushion. Air filled tires are lightweight and due to the price and performance are often a chosen by OEM’s for new equipment.

Flat Free Tires
Flat Free Tires are made of solid, lightweight, micro-cellular polyurethane foam. Flat Free Tires have the bounce and cushion of an air-filled tire with the benefit of no flats. No tubes; no re-filling with air; no more hassle! Our Flat Free Tires are non-marking, and because polyurethane is UV and chemical resistant, they will not crack or rot like rubber tires do. Polyurethane foam is comprised of trillions of air cells and the self-skinning foam provides a tough outer skin. Flat free polyurethane tires are more expensive than pneumatic and semi-pneumatic tires, but due to the performance and the cost savings.

Thermal Plastic Rubber Wheels (TPR)
TPR wheels are proven in wet and corrosive conditions. TPR Wheels are specially engineered to provide unsurpassed durability and reliability. This premium wheel combines the durability of a hard tread wheel with the quiet floor protection of a soft tread wheel. They are made of a thermoplastic elastomer which is permanently bonded to a polypropylene core and will not mark floors. The TPR heel is resistant to chemicals, acids, bases, alcohols, salts, and steam. TPR tread material can be made to various durometers (hardnesses) and tread shapes.