Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Has anyone seen these??

Pretty neat concept and will be a godsend to construction and agricultural users. No more down time due to flats.

Looks pretty radical on the car at speed......

When i was a kid was at a week long training center at Michelin, was fascinating and they treated their employees like gold, favored hiring military backround.  Great Co.  Anywho, they had this tire in the works even back then.  A airplane tire is similar.  They had a tire from a 747 disected, very similar to that same tire.  They have had the airless spares for over 10 years now.  Kudos to Michelin.  A well run American Co. kickin azz, and treating it's employees right, in a great city.  Bib's the man!!!!  

I'd hate to drive through mud with one of those...

LL

Yea LL, it would pack in there. Can you imagine being buried, the mud would act like cement.

Would sure give new meaning to looking for cracks in your tires with all those flexing elements to inspect.

If something got stuck in there, could it break the flexing ribs?

One thing you won't want is wheel trim rings or full wheel covers unless you buy them by the gross. They'll be popping off all over the place.

AirBoss of America has been marketing a similar product for off road construction equipment. They bolt hollow rubber segments to a steel rim. All you do is replace the segment that wears. Claim it reduces down time and saves money on tire replacements.

Glad Bill D likes the work of this American company....but they are French and always have been.

I saw them one time on an auto show special or somewher like that.

I think they look great, but with that kind of "rim" they are not good for anything other than on road, as you guys noted, they will pack full of junk and become out of balance. With the space toward the perimiter though they may not do as much in snow, as lots of areas that also have potholes and stuff like that do, where something like this would be useful. I have heard no pricing, or availability on them but they look great, IMO...

I think they are leaving them open right now to show off the technology. The "invisible" tire is a dramatic visual.

In service the side will be sealed and look much like an ordinary tire.

ps. I have a feeling they are not much in the performance dept; lateral grip, sideloading, etc.