Hub-piloted wheels, which are most common on commercial vehicles today, have been proven to provide better torque retention, require less maintenance, and in most cases last longer. The 10-hole hub-piloted wheel system, now the industry standard, features straight-through stud-bolt holds (no ball seat or spherical countersink) and is positioned on the hub by wheel pilot pads to provide true mounting to the axle end. For heavy loads, manufacturers also offer stud-piloted wheel systems, which use nuts on the bolts or studs to center the wheel correctly.
Lighter weight aluminum wheels have been a spec of choice for many fleets, especially those looking to boost payload capacity or lighten up vehicles to save fuel. Steve Carlson, global sales manager, Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels, notes that at nearly half the weight of a steel wheel, aluminum wheels on Class 3-8 trucks can improve fuel economy, which cuts down on carbon emissions, and offer productivity advantages. Aluminum wheels are also recyclable, he adds.
Alcoa offers 22.5x8.25-in. standard dual and 22.5x14-in. wide base aluminum wheels. According to the manufacturer, converting 18 steel 22.5-in. wheels to Alcoa LvL ONE aluminum wheels reduces vehicle weight by more than 600 lbs. Switching steel 22.5-in. wheels to 14-in. wide base aluminum wheels reduces the weight of an 18-wheel combination vehicle by nearly 1,400 lbs., the company notes.
New to the market from Alcoa Wheels North America is the M-Series line of aluminum wheels for Class 3-6 medium-duty truck applications. The wheels are designed to fit trucks as well as low deck trailers.
Accuride Wheel End Solutions introduced three new aluminum wheels this year, including two Aluminum Duplex (wide base single) wheels. The company’s expanded Accu-Lite family of aluminum wheels includes 22.5- and 24.5-in. models as well as the new 22.5x14-in. wide base versions. The manufacturer’s newest designs cut 1 to 2 lbs. from previous wheel weights and 7 to 12 lbs. on wide base models, depending on the wheel offset specified. The Accuride product line includes hub- and stud-piloted, tubeless and tube-type forged aluminum and steel wheels for heavy- and medium-duty trucks, trailers, buses, light commercial trucks, and specialty vehicles.
Both Alcoa and Accuride note that aluminum wheels offer the benefit of corrosion resistance, which virtually eliminates maintenance costs. Simply put, the companies say aluminum wheels do not require refurbishing so the need to dismount tires, paint or touch up wheels, and then remount tires to avoid corrosion is eliminated, along with the maintenance costs associated with that activity.
Alcoa aluminum wheels are available in brush and polish finish options; select models can be ordered with the manufacturer’s Dura-Bright surface treatment option, a production process that penetrates the forged aluminum. Accuride’s Accu-Armor aluminum wheel surface treatment is similarly resistant to scuffs and scratches that occur during normal wear and should never corrode.
Maxion Wheels offers a range of low alloy steel wheels for commercial vehicles in sizes up to 24.5 in. for single- or dual-wheel applications. The manufacturer also offers wide base steel wheels for weight-sensitive applications. The company notes when its wide base wheels replace dual wheels, a weight savings of up to 166 lbs. per axle is observed compared to standard steel wheel products. The company also offers its MaxCoat corrosion-resistant, triple-protection coating system.
Wheel manufacturers have a wealth of spec information readily available. Online tools can make choosing wheels a simple task. Maxion Wheels has updated its quick reference and cross-reference guides for its North American OEM and aftermarket customers. The guides help customers specify the wheel needed for new or existing vehicles.
When considering wheel choices, all of the manufacturers agree that lifetime value should always be the goal.
For more information, visit these websites:
Accuride Wheel End Solutions
www.accuridewheelendsolutions.com
Alcoa Wheels North America
www.alcoawheels.com
Hayes-Lemmerz
www.hayes-lemmerz.com
Maxion Wheels
www.maxionwheels.com
