Alcoa unveils even lighter wheels

NASHVILLE. Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products has released what it said are the industry’s lightest 14 in. wide base and 9 in. wheels.

Utilizing the proprietary LvL One wheel manufacturing process of light weighting coupled with 6061 alloy, Alcoa’s 22.5 in. x 14 in. wide base wheels are now 54 lbs. per wheel and 22.5 in. x 9 in. wheels are now 51 or 59 lbs. (dependent on fitment), the company said.

“We continue to pursue ways to help our customers benefit from state-of-the-art technology,” said Merrick Murphy, vice president & general manager, Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels. “Alcoa’s lighter 14 in. wide base and 9 in. wheels are another breakthrough for the industry and one more example of Alcoa’s leadership in innovation.”

Alcoa unveiled the new wheels at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville.

The 14 in. wide base wheels drop another 4 lbs. from their previous 58 lb. to a new 54 lb. weight. In fact, simply switching from dual steel 22.5 in. x 8.25 in. wheels and tires to Alcoa 14 in. wide base wheels and tires reduces the weight of an 18-wheeler by more than 1,400 lbs. cutting annual fuel costs or increasing payload, Alcoa pointed out.

The 9 in. wheels are now 3 lbs. lighter than their previous version. Switching from a comparable steel wheel to Alcoa aluminum 9 in. wheel saves more than 50 lbs. per wheel. They have a load rating of 10,000 lbs.

Each wheel is offered in popular Alcoa surface options including clean buff, mirror polish, Dura-Bright and Dura-Flange.