On Thursday, May 1, Amerityre Corporation (Boulder City, Nevada) announced that it had initiated commercial production of solid polyurethane elastomer tires. Amerityre will supply the tires to Oxbo International Corp. for use in farm implements used to chop or bale alfalfa and hay. The first-year volume for the 50-lb. gage tires will be 1,200 units, equivalent to about $200,000 in revenue. Other potential applications for Amerityre’s solid PU tires include forklifts and aperture tires used in the construction and material handling industries.
Here is the press release from Amerityre.
Update: These tires do not require reinforcing fillers – no carbon black or silica. Also, as currently configured, they do not require antidegradants – no 6PPD or TMQ. So these tires really are a significant innovation in the tire industry, and potentially a disruptive technology for raw materials down the road.