Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products (AWTP) unveiled a significant new advancement in forged wheel technology, the LvL ONE wheel at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) this week. Using a new, proprietary process, Alcoa said it has created the industry’s lightest forged aluminum wheel by reducing the weight by two lbs. but with even greater strength, and with a superior finish on both sides of the wheel.
“The LvL ONE is another example of Alcoa’s relentless commitment to develop products that bring value to our customers,” said Tim Myers, vice president and general manager, Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels. “This is especially noteworthy in today’s weak economy. Fleets and owner-operators are being squeezed on all sides and the LvL ONE can directly reduce operations and inventory costs. Despite the economy, Alcoa continues to invest in technology. Innovation is key to our growth and we remain focused on increasing our share of the market.
“Two pounds less wheel weight may not seem like much,” continued Myers. “But it is 36 pounds less on an 18-wheel rig running on aluminum wheels – and nearly 650 pounds less than standard steel wheels – mile after mile, day after day. These pounds can add up to millions for a fleet and translate into more payload, fuel savings, less stress on engines and drive trains, and lower emissions, too.”
“The LvL ONE wheel gives you, for example, a 7,400-lb. load rated wheel but it weighs only 45.5 lbs., two pounds less than its predecessor,” Brest said. He went on to say that another “first” achieved with this process is a natural finish on both sides of the LvL ONE wheel. “This new process results in an organic, stunning bright finish. The brightness is at least six times brighter than competitive wheels in this class, using standardized test methods for the measurement of brightness,” Brest said.
The LvL ONE wheel’s exclusive two-sided finish reduces the need to order single-side inner diameter and outer diameter wheels. Any wheel – steering wheels, drive wheels, et al – can be mounted on any axle for tractor or trailer. There is no need to inventory two wheels; the LvL ONE wheel fits all.
For more information, visit http://www.alcoa.com.
