Galileo Wheel has developed the first airless, but not solid, tire for skid steers.
The new SkidCup, according to the company, is the first major structural change in industrial tire design since the adoption of run-flat tires in the 1970s.
Galileo Wheel claims the tire delivers critical performance improvements that surpass both traditional pneumatic and solid tire designs.
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 eliminates the trade-off between puncture resistance and equipment preservation.
“Fleet downtime costs can exceed $400 per vehicle daily,” 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 Galileo’s CupWheel technology is a proprietary sidewall concave design. The approach creates a non-pressurized air cavity that delivers 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.
“By completely rethinking tire architecture, we’ve created a solution that transforms performance,” said Avishay Novoplanski, CTO and Co-founder of Galileo Wheel.
The SkidCup 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 the Japanese Marubeni Corporation.
Founded in 2011, Galileo Wheel develops and manufactures tire solutions for agricultural, construction and industrial applications, combining the advantages of radial off-road tires and rubber tracks on a standard rim.
