Dump trucks that haul materials through quarries, stone yards and other rough environments are notoriously vulnerable to damaged sidewalls. And when a truck’s tire is shredded or blown, it can slow down or even stop the entire production.
Now there’s a new product that fits over the side of truck tires, providing a tough exterior barrier that prevents rocks, scrap and other materials from damaging tires on industrial vehicles. It’s called Sideflex and its made by the German equipment maker Erlau AG.
Sideflex is made up of a robust set of wheel nuts and extensions that support a flat ring, to which is attached a fanned array of overlapping plates. These plates create a barrier that deflects rock debris and other materials that can pierce the tire’s sidewalls.
Sideflex is mounted using steel components and the plates are made out of a specially engineered polymer that allows the plates to flex and deform upon impact, then spring back to their original shape.
Previously, some dump truck tires were protected using tire chains. But these slowed trucks down, raised fuel consumption, and could damage tires. Sideflex offers a more convenient, safer and cost-effective solution to the problem of protecting dump truck tires in rough terrain.