Titan International Inc. (Titan) and the recently acquired Carlstar Group announced the launch of its Variable Pressure Operation (VPO™) Technology at Equip Exposition 2024. Its VPO Technology is specifically designed to be flat-proof or zero psi-capable, significantly increasing durability, according to the Quincy, Ill.-based company. The flat-proof technology offers a versatile solution as an alternative to tweel wheels, and other airless polyurethane spoke wheel options, by providing the ability to effectively operate machinery at various inflation pressures, even down to zero psi.
"We first developed this technology for military applications,” says Chris Daum, Titan’s General Manager of Outdoor Power Equipment. “It has since been tested extensively with Polaris and is now adapted for consumer use. We put a lot of thought and passion into the product design with function at the forefront.”
The impressive pressure adjustability of VPO Technology allows operators to optimize performance and longevity, by adapting the inflation pressure to suit different terrains and applications. The company update also noted that the flat-proof technology allows an operator to focus on getting work done with less stress about flats and down-time. Additionally, the technology is built for various applications — allowing operation with or without large attachments while using the same set of tires, unlike other tires that must be changed based on application.
Key features of VPO Technology include: shock-absorbing properties which minimize whole-body vibration to enhance operator comfort and reduce fatigue; and closed sidewall, which prevents debris from getting stuck between the spokes, eliminating sidewall damage, balance issues, and other handling problems. The company focused on the technology’s reliability, reporting that extensive testing has shown that tires equipped with VPO Technology can run for hundreds of miles at 30 mph with zero pressure.
Eight additional products were highlighted during Oct. 15-18 Equip Expo, including: the Goodyear R14T, NEW Goodyear Softrac Pro, NEW Carlstar Versa Trac, Carlstar Turf Master, NEW Carlstar Versa Turf Non-Directional, Carlstar Smooth, NEW Carlstar Grasszilla, and NEW Carlstar Invictus.
