Galileo Wheel launched SkidCup, a new airless tire for skid-steers and loaders. It represents the first major structural change in industrial tire design since the adoption of run-flat tires in the 1970s. This delivers 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 and demonstrates improved impact absorption and traction compared to solid and pneumatic tires, with decreased shock and vibration transmission to both machinery components and operators. This combination eliminates the 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.”
Galileo’s CupWheel technology features a proprietary sidewall concave design, creating a non-pressurized air cavity delivering shock absorption and traction without vulnerability to punctures.
“Traditional tire development has focused on incremental improvements in materials and tread patterns, resulting in slight performance gains,” said Avishay Novoplanski, CTO and co-founder of Galileo Wheel. “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 percent improvement in traction, compared to the industry standard 7-8 percent 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. The company has also secured strategic investment from Marubeni Corporation. 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.
