Published in June 2005 Australian Longwall Magazine
Bearcat Tyres is the Australian distributor of Arnco Tyre Flatproofing products, a range of liquid polyurethane polymer materials that are used to replace the air in tyres and cure to a resilient synthetic core within 24 hours.
According to Bearcat, the polymer, which is pumped in through the tyre valve system, reduces the frequency and cost of tyre repairs, while substantially increasing tyre life and reducing tip-overs caused by sudden flats.
“A tyre which has been flatproofed is a much safer option,” said Bearcat sales and marketing manager Richard Blacker. “It will not blow out or explode, and, if cut, it will keep working until the next maintenance opportunity arises, unlike normal air-filled tyres which would need immediate replacement.
“Flatproofed tyres will keep on rolling, even in the most hazardous conditions, and can offer mining companies increased productivity, reduced downtime, maintenance cost savings and, ultimately, increased profits.”
Product testing by US-based Arnco has shown flatproofing can provide operators with a softer ride while reducing damage to equipment. Separate accelerometer tests comparing the G force of flatproofed tyres, solid rubber cushion tyres and pneumatic tyres after running over obstacles in loaded and unloaded states also showed the filled tyres were subjected to less than half the forces experienced by the other tyres.
Arnco flatproofing is available in three grades:
* Superflex, provides maximum deflection, a broader footprint for increased traction in soft ground as well as good shock absorption.
* RePneu, provides medium deflection and offers a high degree of heat resistance, tear strength and compression. Arnco claims this grade to be the most popular all-purpose flatproofing for heavy construction and earthmoving equipment.
* HeviDuty, provides minimum deflection and increased stability for large, slow-moving offroad vehicles or those under heavy load such as cranes, aerial lifts and roof bolters. It is widely used in steel mills, coal mines, factories and environments considered hazardous to pneumatic tyres.
