2. Wheel weight matters…
Spec’ing lighter weight wheels, like Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products forged aluminum wheels, means more load capacity and less mileage or the flexibility to add more fuel efficiency components such as aerodynamic packages. It’s not so much about gaining fuel efficiency as freight efficiency.
“Lighter weight becomes even more critical when hauling freight over a longer distance,” said Brian Thomas, marketing communications manager, Alcoa wheel and transportation products. “It is important to consider lighter, stronger wheel options like aluminum. While all the benefits of aluminum wheels are the same for both long and short hauls, there is more risk of curbing damage during regional hauls.”
When spec’ing wheels, fleet managers should consider these factors when making their equipment selections:
• Improved freight efficiency and fuel economy;
• Enhanced image and appearance;
• Proper wheel installation;
• Curbing damage and rim flange wear; and
• Aluminum vs. steel wheel selection.
3. …And so do strength and durability
Fleets need to have a wheel strong enough to carry the required load. “Wheels should meet or exceed the load carrying capacity of the specific tires used in tough applications,” said Denny Weisend, director of commercial wheel sales for Maxion. “Hub piloted wheels, which provide superior clamping force and torque retention are also recommended for heavy- or severe-duty applications.”
The most important thing to consider when spec’ing a wheel for heavy haul applications is the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle the wheel is installed on, related Rafael Gonzalez, Accuride’s director, product management, wheels. “Ensuring that the wheels can meet the expected load ratings the vehicle is designed for is of the utmost importance. It is also important to consider what type of road conditions this truck will experience, as well as the speeds at which it will be incurring the loads.”
Overloading beyond weight limit is one of the biggest threats that can decrease wheel life. Alcoa, for example, places a heat sensitive sticker on every wheel and works up to an 80,000-lb. limit for load rating. The sticker will change color if the wheel is overloaded, ensuring safety and preventing any issues with law enforcement.
Those same sentiments apply to wheel end spec’ing as well. When specifying a hub, the safest thing to do is to ensure you’re selecting a hub rated to the same weight capacity as the GAWR. Specifying a drum or rotor can get more complex depending on various factors including, but not limited to the loading conditions (mass), the average speed at on-set of braking, average decelerations, and the frequency and interval of stops the units will see in service. Webb Wheel’s Wiechmann said that these items may have an impact on either or both the mechanical and thermal loading requirements of our products.
Additionally, if you have an application that sees increased braking, heat dissipation effects should be a key consideration where higher-grade materials for the hub, rotor, drum, seals, bearings and lube will need consideration, advised Roger Jansen, product manager, trailers suspension systems, SAF-Holland Inc.
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