A new line of wide base aluminum wheels from Alcoa are said to be the lightest 14-in. aluminum wheels on the market, the company said. The wheels are engineered through Alcoa’s LvL One wheel manufacturing process, resulting in the lighter weight.
Weighing just 58 lbs., switching from single steel 22.5 in. x 8.25 in. wheels to the 14-in. wide base wheels can reduce the weight of an 18-wheeler by nearly 1,400 lbs., Alcoa said.
The wheels have load ratings up to 12,800 lbs.
“Identifying ways to improve upon our technology to increase our products’ benefits is always a primary objective,” said Merrick Murphy, vice president & general manager - Americas & Pac Rim, Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels. “We continue to lead the way in innovation and are proud to be able to offer our customers the lightest and most efficient wide base wheel in the industry.”
The new wide base wheels are available in 0, 1, and 2 in. offsets to fit all axle types. Each wheel roll stamp contains 0 in. offset this side out or 2 in. outset this side out to indicate offset mounting position. In addition, Alcoa locates the roll stamp, valve hole and valve stem direction on all wheels to ensure proper installation for all axle types.
The wheels are provided in clean buff, polished, Dura-Bright and Dura-Flange finish options.
