Severe Service Wheels deliver extra durability even in the harshest conditions for logging, mining and other heavy-duty applications
Logging, mining, construction and other heavy-duty applications place extreme demands on trucks and their wheels. There can be rough roads that are steep with many turns not found on a highway. Running long days and nights with gross vehicle weights that can reach 80,000 pounds in the United States and 100,000 pounds or more in Canada, wheels in these environments have to be rugged to support cargo that can be filled to the brim as it’s moved from harsh conditions at loading to the destination.
Under these extreme conditions, it’s not uncommon for cracks to form in the wheels in areas throughout the drop center, around the valve hole and in the bead seat area. Drop center cracks and hand hole cracks are typically caused by exceeding load or inflation capacity.
If cracks are being caused by overload or travel on rugged, unimproved roads or there is frequent damage or replacement needed, using wheels that can withstand these significant stressors is essential to protecting trucks and maximizing uptime. Additional surface and finish treatments are also important to consider to add even more durability along with visual appeal.
Aluminum vs. Steel: Comparing Strength and Reliability
Truck wheels are made from either aluminum or steel. The question is, which is the right choice for the application? Does the application require the strongest wheels or the lightest weight wheels?
In the past, aluminum wheels were the lighter weight option while fabricated steel wheels typically offered more strength and durability, making them the more popular choice for heavy-haul and severe-duty fleets. However, not all aluminum wheels are created equally. There are cast aluminum wheels and forged aluminum wheels. Forged aluminum is stronger and has a better strength-to-weight ratio than cast aluminum. It’s also porosity-free, which allows for heat treatments that can enhance its mechanical properties.
Forged aluminum wheels are actually lighter in weight than steel while also being stronger and more durable to increase freight capacity and improve maintenance savings. Impact testing demonstrates the strength of a forged aluminum wheel versus a fabricated steel wheel. Impact testing simulates a wheel and tire assembly hitting the curb while the vehicle is in motion. In this particular test, both wheels passed, but the steel wheel has a larger area of impact and there is rim flange damage with the flange folded over. There is also a large loss of paint, which could lead to corrosion. The forged aluminum wheel has a very small area of impact and no deformation of the flange.
Aluminum for Severe Applications
More than 20 years ago, Alcoa® Wheels developed forged aluminum Severe Service wheels to meet the toughest demands of heavy-duty, on- and off-highway applications like logging and mining. Alcoa® Severe Service Wheels were made to be lighter and more durable than steel to maximize payloads and navigate rough terrain without compromising safety or efficiency. They are load rated up to 8,300 lbs. and stronger than standard hub-piloted wheels. Alcoa® Severe Service Wheels can weigh as little as 50 lbs., which is 29 lbs. less than a comparable steel wheel.
Alcoa® Severe Service Wheels are available in two options. The 88565x is a standard 22.5″ x 8.25″ size and is available with all Alcoa® finishes and surface treatments. The 98565x offers higher clearance with its 24.5″ x 8.25″ size for the terrains and loads that demand it. The 98565x is available with multiple finish and surface treatment options.
Surface Treatments Offer Added Protection
Both the 88565x and 98565x offer additional protection through surface treatment options. The Dura-Bright® surface treatment penetrates the aluminum, forming a molecular bond that becomes part of the wheel itself. That means it won’t crack, peel or corrode like coated wheels, enabling wheels to keep their shine and look newer for longer. It is also easy to clean with just soap and water.
Alcoa® Dura-Flange® is a surface treatment that reduces or eliminates rim flange wear, extending wheel service life for heavy haul and shifting load applications. This surface treatment solution makes these protected wheels most appropriate for applications where loads are heavy and prone to shifting, causing tire walls to rub against the wheel rims.
Alcoa® Severe Service Wheels deliver unmatched durability, strength and longevity. These forged aluminum wheels are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring your fleet remains on the move and your operations run smoothly.
Learn more about Alcoa® Severe Service Wheels.