Galileo Wheel Launches SkidCups: A New Generation of Airless Tires for Skid Steers

CAESAREA, Israel - Nov. 24, 2024 - PRLog -- Galileo Wheel, the pioneer in innovative tire technology since 2011, today announces the launch of SkidCup, a new airless tire for skid steers and loaders. It introduces the first major structural change in industrial tire design since the adoption of run-flat tires in the 1970s. Operating in the global off-road tire market, valued at USD 16.85 billion, this industry-redefining solution delivers critical performance improvements that surpass both traditional pneumatic and solid tire designs.

Unlike conventional products that force operators to choose between solid tires' durability or pneumatic tires' shock absorption, SkidCup's patented air cavity design maintains full operational capabilities without inflation. The technology eliminates puncture-related downtime while demonstrating superior impact absorption and traction compared both to solid and pneumatic tires, with reduced shock and vibration transmission to both machinery components and operators. This unprecedented combination eliminates the traditional trade-off between puncture resistance and equipment preservation.

"Fleet downtime costs can exceed $400 per vehicle daily, and with the tire industry remaining largely unchanged for decades, tire-related issues significantly compound these costs through punctures and machinery damage," said Armin Schon, CEO of Galileo Wheel. "With SkidCup, we're not just introducing a new tire—we're reimagining what a tire can be. Our patented CupWheel technology represents a fundamental shift in tire design, marking a new era in industrial mobility solutions."

At the core of this breakthrough is Galileo's CupWheel technology, featuring a proprietary sidewall concave design. This innovative approach creates a non-pressurized air cavity that delivers superior shock absorption and traction without vulnerability to punctures. The development of SkidCup builds on Galileo Wheel's successful track record, including the IrriCup tire line for irrigation pivots.

"Traditional tire development has focused on incremental improvements in materials and tread patterns, resulting in slight performance gains," commented Avishay Novoplanski, CTO and Co-founder of Galileo Wheel (http://www.galileowheel.com). "We took a fundamentally different approach. By completely rethinking tire architecture, we've created a solution that transforms performance. The fact that we're achieving a 30% improvement in traction, compared to the industry standard 7-8% difference between basic and premium tires, demonstrates the revolutionary nature of our technology."

The launch follows Galileo Wheel's recent $8 million Series C funding round led by Stine Seed Farm, one of the largest privately held seed companies in the United States. The company has also secured strategic investment from Marubeni Corporation (MARUY: OTCMKTS), a major Japanese integrated trading and investment business. Galileo Wheel's products are distributed through direct sales and dealer networks across the United States, with expanding partnerships throughout Europe, Asia, and South Africa.