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ALUMINUM WHEELS STILL PREVAIL OVER STEEL

As we step into the new 2024, the enduring debate in the truck wheel industry persists—aluminium or steel wheels? This perennial topic sparks in-depth discussions among experts, exploring the nuances between these two metals and delving into their advantages, disadvantages, and manufacturing processes. As pioneers in aluminium wheel innovation, we confidently assert our preference for forged aluminium wheels, and here’s a comprehensive breakdown of why aluminium wheels prevail over steel. .

The Simple Solution: Lighter weight

Choosing lighter-weight forged aluminium wheels is the ultimate solution for enhancing overall fuel efficiency and, more crucially, reducing maintenance costs. Contrary to misconceptions, forged aluminium wheels are not akin to aluminium cans recycled through shredding. Their mechanical properties endow them with high yield strength and significant elongation, ensuring durability. As the industry emphasises low operating costs, the urgency for fleets to adopt solutions contributing to improved freight efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and increased productivity has never been greater. Beyond being lighter than steel, forged aluminium wheels also boast superior strength and durability, increasing freight capacity and generating maintenance savings for heightened productivity and ultimately lower lifetime operating costs.

Alcoa Wheel alongside a steel wheel in a strength stress test
A forged Wheel from Alcoa Wheels withstands a load of 71.200 kg before deforming, while the rim of the steel wheel already deforms at 13,600 kg.

Fuel Efficiency and Weight Savings

When spec’ing wheels on new equipment, considering overall lifetime operating costs is paramount. Forged aluminium wheels facilitate quick and continuous payback through fuel savings and enhanced freight productivity, coupled with maintenance savings. Innovative technologies from wheel manufacturers contribute to increased weight loss, such as the significant reduction in wheel weight offered by forged aluminium wheels compared to their steel counterparts. See the last successfully tested fuel saving compared Aluminium wheel vs steel.

It’s a well-known fact that lighter trucks can legally carry more cargo. The latest Alcoa ULT36 Ultra One wheel, measuring 22.5″ x 8.25″ with a hub pilot and 285.75mm bolt circle, weighs only 16kg. This significant weight reduction enhances fuel efficiency. Forged aluminum wheels not only offer environmental benefits but also enable larger payloads, reducing the need for extra trips. Their infinite recyclability ensures they are never left in landfills.

Maintenance Advantages

Maintenance is crucial for fleet managers, especially concerning refurbishing, curbing damage, and tyre and brake life. Unlike steel wheels, aluminium wheels do not necessitate continuous refurbishing activities like rust removal, repainting, or touch-ups. Aluminium wheels, being unpainted, eliminate the need for spray paint and touch-ups. In harsh environments, where rust is a common issue for steel wheels, aluminium wheels offer a maintenance advantage by not requiring yearly tyre dismounting, painting, and remounting.

Forged aluminium wheel manufacturers often provide additional options for lowering operating and maintenance costs, including proprietary surface treatments integral to production. Alcoa DuraBright – advanced surface treatment ensures durability, preventing cracks, chips, or corrosion. Specially treated aluminium wheels do not require polishing. They are easy to clean with a simple soap and water scrub, contributing to lower maintenance costs and a longer-lasting, newer vehicle appearance.

The strength of forged aluminium wheels proves reliable even in the harshest environments, improving maintenance and extending equipment life. Additional surface treatments, such as those reducing rim flange wear, are advantageous for specific applications, such as heavy haul and shifting load scenarios.

Improved heat dissipation is another benefit, contributing to longer tyre and brake life. Aluminium’s superior heat dissipation, compared to steel, is particularly crucial in frequent stops and starts, as seen in refuse trucks. Aluminium wheels dissipate heat faster, preventing excessive wear on tires and brakes.

In instances of heat-related incidents, aluminium wheel manufacturers often incorporate heat indicator sensors on wheels to alert when excessive heat has passed through, ensuring timely maintenance.

Enhanced Image and a Smoother Ride

Forged aluminium wheels not only bring pride to fleets and operators but also offer a smoother ride. Being 100% CNC machined eliminates runout and vibrations, enhancing the overall comfort of the trip.

When making wheel choices, prioritizing value is critical. Forged aluminium wheels provide lifetime advantages over steel wheels. While steel wheels may be cheaper at purchase, their increasing maintenance requirements over time should be considered. The decision ultimately boils down to short-term versus long-term planning, navigating available choices to ensure value over the equipment’s lifespan.

For more information about truck and trailer wheels, contact Howmet Wheel Systems at 1800 955 191, email alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com, or visit alcoawheels.com.au. Stay updated by following Alcoa on: alcoawheelsaustralia

January 17, 2024

Next-Gen of the lightest aluminium truck wheel

Alcoa® Wheels, the global leader in aluminum wheel innovation, introduces two new products featuring revolutionary technology that reaffirms its position as the lightest aluminium truck wheel manufacturer in the industry the NEW Alcoa® ULT36x, 22.5” x 8.25” wheel, and Alcoa® ULA18x 22.5″ x 8.25″ Wheel. This revolutionary development holds immense promise for improved efficiency and sustainability in the trucking sector.

Enhanced efficiency with the lightest aluminium truck wheel

A standout achievement of the Alcoa ULT36x wheel lies in its lightweight design, which employs advanced materials and an innovative hand-hole-free structure. These wheels offer a significant reduction in weight without compromising performance. This breakthrough translates into higher efficiency and cost savings for trucking companies, as the increased payload capacity allows for optimized operations, reduced fuel consumption, and decreased carbon emissions.

The Alcoa® ULT36x wheel is 1.6 kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 16.3 kg. It is equipped with proprietary Magna Force® alloy, 17% stronger than the industry standard and has played a critical role in developing the ULT36x. Commercial fleet operators can achieve maximum efficiency and profitability with the ULT36x wheel, even in tough conditions.

Some of the highlights of the new wheel include:  

  • Savings of up to 2L of fuel per 1,000 km when converting from steel to aluminium on all positions
  • Exceptional strength with a 3,355kg. load rating
  • Alcoa® advanced finishes LvL One® and Mirror Polish
  • Exclusive Alcoa® Dura-Bright® and Dura-Black™ surface treatments
  • Patent-pending wheel design – No hand holes, impact tested and designed for strength
  • Maintenance friendly valve system: two 25mm valve access holes for dual mounting, and dual inflation
  • Works with ATIS and Halo systems
  • brings both inner and outer dual valve into wheel well for easy access

Innovation is the key

Innovation remains a driving force within the trucking industry, as demonstrated by the introduction of the Alcoa ULT36x wheel. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in improving safety and efficiency. By embracing these innovations, the industry exemplifies its commitment to continuous improvement.

The Alcoa ULT36x wheel also incorporates the company’s vHub™ Bore Technology, which reduces hub-to-wheel contact area by up to 64% compared to other aluminum wheels, minimizing surface area for corrosion to form.

Advance Surface treatment

ULT36x will be available with Alcoa Dura-Bright® Wheels surface treatment, which acts like a force field around your wheels that repels dirt. So, when it’s time to clean, a simple soap and water wash gets you back on the road. No more polishing. Less time washing, more time driving.

Alcoa Dura-Bright® Wheels are manufactured using proprietary technology and production processes specifically tailored to achieve superior aesthetics, easy maintenance, and durability. Alcoa Dura-Bright® surface treatment penetrates the aluminium, forming a molecular bond that becomes part of the wheel itself. That means it will not crack, peel, or corrode like coated wheels, looking newer for longer.

These advancements showcased in the trucking industry signify a brighter and more prosperous future. The Alcoa ULT36x wheel marks a significant milestone in efficiency, sustainability, and safety. As the industry embraces these innovations, we can expect continued progress and collaboration in the sector.

For more information about the world’s lightest and strongest heavy-duty truck wheels, contact Howmet Wheel Systems at 1800 955 191, email alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com, or visit alcoawheels.com.au. Stay updated by following Alcoa on: alcoawheelsaustralia

November 29, 2023

Truck Wheels Features

Alcoa® wheels come in different shapes, sizes and looks. The diagrams below illustrate the typical truck wheels features, which include:

  • A bore used to attach to the axle of the vehicle.
  • Bolt holes used to assemble the wheels onto the vehicle.
  • Hand holes, which allow heat dissipation as the vehicle drives on the road.
  • The flat side of the wheel called disk face encompasses a mounting flange that not only gives the wheel its aesthetics, but more importantly provides the robustness of the wheel.
  • Bead seat, which is a critical surface as it is the interface to the tire. The bead seat of the wheel is the flat area around the wheel, just inside of the flanges, where the edges of the tire “seat” onto the wheel. The bead seat can affect how the tires seal. Any major imperfection, such as a bend in the wheel, will transfer vibration from the wheel/tyre combination directly into the suspension and can make the vehicle shake at speed.
  • The rim width and bead seat diameter specify the size of the tire to mount on the wheel.
  • Depending on the application, the flange thickness can vary to ensure it meets the design and application intent. 
  • Alcoa® medium and heavy-duty wheels are produced and assembled with valve stems. The valve stem is the universal mechanism used to inflate or deflate the tire. The Alcoa® wheels portfolio includes two wheels that have dual valve stems. With a second valve stem mounted at 180 degrees, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor can operate on one valve while air pressure is serviced on the other.
what are the components of a truck wheels?

Typical Wheel Assembly Configuration

While all wheels and tyres appear to be alike, round and somewhat simple, they are quite complex. Countless items need transportation, and each scenario demands its own tailored solution.

  • The wheel connects the tyre to the axle of the vehicle. It transmits forces from the axle to the tyre and vice versa. The wheel carries the vehicle, as well as the load in it. Furthermore, as the wheels connect to the axle, they enable the vehicle to accelerate and decelerate.
  • The tyre contains the air and therefore allows for a comfortable ride. It also provides the vehicle the ability to handle speed and traction during maneuvering, and provides the ability for braking.

Truck Wheels Features

Now that we have defined the basic purpose of a wheel and a tyre, let’s keep reviewed truck wheels features their practical application.

Front Wheel Assembly

The automotive wheel/tyre application is somewhat straight forward, as there are two tyres per axle; one on each side. 

In medium duty and heavy-duty applications, there are many variations. Mount the front tyre assembly on either side of the truck axle through a hub, utilizing the mounting holes. The number of holes can range from as few as six to as many as 10, depending on the wheel design and application. As such, the hub is the intermediate component that attaches to both the wheel and the axle, allowing the tyre to rotate freely.

Rear Wheel Assembly and Wide Base Assembly

In medium and heavy-duty applications, refer to the rear wheel assemblies as “duallies,” assembling them face to face in pairs on each side of the rear axles. Weight-sensitive scenarios allow for the replacement of two duallies or duallable wheels with a single wide-base wheel, offering substantial weight savings to the customer. In both cases, mount the wheels onto the axles’ hubs using two different methods.

Offset Overview


In the assembly process, mount the wheel flush to the hub. The term “offset” refers to the distance between the flush wheel surface and the wheel’s center

  1. In the front assembly, name the offset “inset” as the hub is mounted flush against the inner face of the wheel flange. Likewise, the outset is the distance between the middle of the rim and the outside face of the flange.
  2. In the rear assembly, where duallies are the norm, designate the distance between the two midpoints of the wheels as “dual spacing”
  3. When employing a wide base instead of two duallies in the rear assembly, the offset may be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the hub-flange position in relation to the wheel’s center.
Offset assembly wheel process

No that you know all about truck wheels features, Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications

November 10, 2023

Electric Trucks: Driving The Future Of Transportation

Alcoa® Wheels has a rich history of innovation in the transportation industry, with their ground-breaking invention of the forged aluminium wheel in 1948. Their commitment to advancement remains steadfast, positioning them at the forefront of the industry.

Today’s rapidly changing landscape, characterized by the introduction of electric trucks and decarbonization initiatives, has significantly impacted fleet operations. Additionally, fuel emissions regulations, greenhouse gas emissions standards, and the need for sustainable city transportation have further influenced the industry.

Australia’s recent adoption of the new Australian Design Rule 80/04, mandating Euro VI standards for heavy vehicle models, marks a significant step towards reducing emissions. This rule will result in a substantial reduction of up to 80 per cent in oxides of nitrogen emissions and up to 66 per cent in particulate emissions. Improved laboratory and on-road emissions tests have been implemented to ensure real-world compliance.

As a result, electric trucks have become increasingly heavier due to the technologies required to meet climate change-driven standards.

ROLE OF ALCOA® WHEELS IN ELECTRIFICATION:

Alcoa® Wheels plays a crucial role in the electrification of vehicles through their focus on lightweight solutions. By providing lighter wheels, Alcoa® recognizes the importance of offsetting the added weight of batteries in electric vehicles and the additional mass and space required in Euro VI trucks by the additional emission systems considering Euro VI trucks are heavier than equivalent Euro V trucks, which may reduce the freight they can legally carry.

Lighter wheels also extend battery life and improve the overall range of electric trucks. Alcoa® Wheels remains dedicated to evolving its innovations to meet the changing demands of the industry.

Alcoa® Wheels remains committed to greater productivity through increased payload, improved fuel efficiency and enhanced sustainability. (Read more: Growing your business)

INTRODUCTION OF THE ULT36X WHEEL

Alcoa® Wheels launched the new ULT36x wheel, upholding its position on having the world’s lightest truck wheel portfolio. Alcoa®’s ground-breaking ULT36x 22.5” x 8.25” wheel is 1.6 kg lighter than its

predecessor, weighing just 16 Kg.

It is equipped with proprietary MagnaForce® alloy, which is 17% stronger than the industry standard alloy.

The new Alcoa® ULT36x wheel also features vHub™ Bore Technology, which reduces hub-to-wheel contact area by up to 64% versus other aluminium wheels on the market.

DRIVING TOWARDS A GREENER AND INNOVATIVE TOMORROW

Alcoa® Wheels’ tireless pursuit of innovation and sustainability is shaping the future of electrification in the transportation industry. With a focus on lightweight wheels, they aim to support the adoption of electric trucks, reduce emissions, and enhance fleet efficiency.

As the industry evolves, Alcoa® Wheels will continue to lead the way, driving towards a greener and more innovative tomorrow.

For more information about the world’s lightest, strong heavy-duty truck wheels, contact us: the Howmet Wheel system at 1800 955 191. Email: alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com. Visit: alcoawheels.com.au and follow Alcoa on Facebook alcoawheelsaustralia

September 26, 2023

Alcoa Wheel 75 years of innovation

Seventy-five years of dedication, innovation, and unwavering partnership—a milestone reflecting trust, progress, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Since our first forged aluminum wheel in 1948, Alcoa Wheels is more than a name; it’s a commitment.

Celebrating this remarkable anniversary, expressing gratitude to partners and friends.

People who believed in us, and revisiting the path that brought us to where we stand today.

Trusted on the road

In the heart of Alcoa Wheels’ story lies a narrative of evolution, powered by the belief that each innovation is an opportunity to serve our partners better.

“We’ve always viewed ourselves as the innovation leader in the heavy truck aluminium wheel market,” emphasises President Randall Scheps.

This outlook inspires us to stay attuned to our partners’ needs.

The foundation of this pursuit is a dialogue that extends beyond questions to tangible action.

Scheps elaborates, “We come back to our R&D team, and we say, okay, here’s what the fleets need; let’s go find a way that we solved the problem.”

This iterative process exemplifies our commitment to meeting expectations and exceeding them.

Our journey is more than industry recognition; it’s a story of partnerships that have thrived for decades.

Bobby Sooch, Operations Manager at Ausway Transport, attests to this partnership:  “We’ve used Alcoa wheels on all our trucks from day one, so it’s a 19-year partnership. Our trucks are 100 per cent on Alcoa wheels”. The significance of this statement isn’t just in numbers; it’s in the trust placed in our wheels day in and day out across countless miles.

James Yerbury, Managing Director at Robuk, adds another layer of appreciation: “Alcoa is great at always thinking ahead and always looking at ways to deliver better and lighter wheels.”

Our wheels aren’t just products; they’re embodiments of usability, sustainability, and visibility, representing a holistic commitment to a better tomorrow.

Sloanebuilt, a partner for over 35 years, encapsulates our impact: ‘Alcoa Wheels adds style and durability, delivering top-quality trailers.

Their words go beyond utility, embodying the essence of our collaborative blend of form and function.

This business is just such a gem

As we mark 75 years, Randall Scheps aptly sums up our journey: “We have a great manufacturing footprint, fantastic team around the world…this business is just such a gem.”

A gem that isn’t confined to the past but is a beacon guiding us towards an even brighter future.

Seventy-five years of Alcoa Wheels are not just a chronological achievement; they embody a narrative of innovation, collaboration, and trust.

As the journey continues, it’s clear that Alcoa Wheels isn’t just a name.

Alcoa Wheels is a legacy that drives not only the wheels of trucks, but also the wheels of progress and possibility.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications

September 20, 2023

Aluminium vs. Steel Wheels – Successfully Tests Fuel Savings with Alcoa® Ultra ONE® 

Howmet Wheel Systems, the leading manufacturer of aluminium truck wheels, has recently conducted a successful test to compare Aluminium vs. Steel Wheels.

The primary purpose was to measure the fuel-saving opportunities of its Ultra ONE® Alcoa® aluminium wheels.

The test was conducted against two models of steel wheels on a typical European heavy-duty semi-trailer combination.

In compliance with Annex VIII Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2400, and with the assistance of DEKRA. This renowned technical organization offers various testing and certification services.

Through this test, Howmet Wheel Systems confirmed a significant fuel savings of up to 1.29% with its Ultra ONE® Alcoa® aluminium wheels. This test reaffirms the company’s position as the industry’s lightest aluminium truck wheel manufacturer.

Alcoa Wheels introduces the patented Magnaforce® alloy, exclusive to us. It’s a game-changer in the truck alloy rims industry, revolutionizing development.

Magnaforce® enhances payload capacity while ensuring wheel structure integrity. It’s a perfect balance of strength, durability, and weight reduction.

Calculate fuel savings with our PAYLOAD calculator on the Alcoa Wheels website. Input your vehicle’s specs for personalized results.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the European team at Howmet Wheel Systems for leading this successful test, and for continuously striving to provide the best quality products for their customers. This achievement demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the transportation industry.

If you would like to know more about truck alloy wheels, call us on 1800 955 181 – our wheel specialists have all the information you need.


Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications

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March 30, 2023

Maintaining Alcoa® Wheel Nuts to Avoid Wheel Nut Hole Wear

Wheel nut hole wear is an expensive problem for fleets and owner-operators because wheel-offs cost in time and money; not to mention they can be a big safety concern.

Of course, it all starts with proper installation of wheels, with making sure wheel nuts are properly torqued.  We go into detail on this in our Service Manual for Alcoa Wheels.

We recommend frequently inspecting your wheels for loose wheel nuts. A good time to carry out these inspections is during tyre changes, when you can get a good look at the entire wheel and check for cracks and corrosion, too.

Older wheels, especially, need more frequent checks.

If the wheel is loose, the bolt/stud holes can become elongated (egg-shaped).

If the wheel nuts are loose, you may break studs and/ or develop cracks at the stud holes.

Below are some maintenance tips for looking after your wheel nuts.

Maintaining Alcoa® Wheel Nuts to Avoid Wheel Nut Hole Wear

The Big Retro Fit Nut Myth

The biggest myth about retrofit nuts is that they can be used to locate the wheel. Retrofit nuts are not wheel locators.

Here’s what to look for when using retrofit nuts:

1. Make sure the wheel has a stud hole large enough to accommodate the nut shank.

2. Make sure the wheel is located on the hub. Remember: Retrofit nuts are not wheel locators.

3. If using a longer shanked retrofit nut, make sure it doesn’t bottom out on the end of the stud thus affecting clamping force.  

wheel-nuts-teal

You’ll need a retrofit nut (special sleeved nut) when you’re fitting alloy truck wheels to a truck that previously had steel wheels fitted.

This is due to the overall thickness of the mounting surface of the wheel being bigger.

The shank or sleeve of Alcoa® retrofit nuts extend right into the mounting holes of the wheel and connects with the shorter stud length so that it takes up the extra stud length to affect the correct clamping force.

Alcoa wheels have a 32mm stud hole diameter to accommodate the retro fit nuts.

NOTE: For the correct torque setting, please refer to your truck or trailer manufacturer’s operator manual.

Looking After Stud Holes

We recommend regular checking of stud holes for  enlargement and elongation  so that you catch damage in time and avoid costly wheel-offs.

Often a clue that wheel nuts are loose, is that you’ll see dirt streaks or rust radiating from stud holes.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR TO IDENTIFY LOOSE WHEEL NUTS:

Look for wallowed out or elongated ball seats on stud piloted wheels, which are signs your wheels are running loose.

On hub piloted wheels, look for elongated stud holes.

If you spot damaged ball seat contact areas (the stud hole looks egg-shaped instead of perfectly round), remove the wheel from service and scrap it.

Look for visible thread marks on the inside of the stud holes, which are also evidence that your wheels have loose wheel nuts.

Keeping Wheel Nuts Tight

We recommend you make sure wheel nuts stay tight by checking the torque, studs and nuts at regular service intervals.

A good practice is to check nuts and studs at the minimum at every tyre change to ensure they are in serviceable working condition.

If nuts require frequent tightening or studs break often, we recommend reviewing your hardware and mounting practices to ensure the correct procedures and setting guidelines are being followed.

DO’S AND DON’TS
  1. DO Tighten wheel nuts to their specified torque. This is extremely important.
  2. DON’T Under tighten wheel nuts, as this results in loose wheels which can damage wheels, studs and hubs, and can result in wheel loss.
  3. DON’T Overtighten wheel nuts, as this can damage studs, nuts and wheels and will also result in loose wheels.
  4. DO Make sure you are calibrating all torque wrenches, impact wrenches and any other tools for tightening wheel nuts to ensure the proper torque is applied.

For all the information you need to keep your hub piloted wheel nuts tight, refer to the Alcoa Wheels Service Manual.

Proper Torque Sequence for Hub Piloted Wheels

You will find information on the proper torque sequence in our Torque Settings article.

Always refer to the Owner’s Manual of your equipment for the correct torque settings.

wheel-nuts-oil-teal

Minimizing Corrosion When Maintaining Wheel Nuts

A tip for minimizing corrosion between the mating threading when putting wheel nuts on hub piloted wheels, is to apply two drops of oil to the point between the nut and the integrated washer and two drops of motor oil to the first two threads of the tip of each stud.

Alcoa Wheels recommend the following wheel nuts for use with Alcoa® alloy truck rims: 

Did you know that chrome-plated wheel nuts with chrome plating on the surfaces that contact the wheel can cause reduced and inconsistent wheel clamping?

This can cause wheels to loosen and disengage from your heavy duty equipment and create a serious safety hazard.

We recommend using only Alcoa Wheels wheel nuts on Alcoa aluminum wheels.

Refer to either our US or European Alcoa Wheels Service Manuals for recommended Flange Nuts (Hub Piloted Wheels) and Cap Nuts (Stud Piloted Wheels).

Maintaining Alcoa® Wheel Nuts to Avoid Wheel Nut Hole Wear

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

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November 30, 2022

Ausway Transport’s light, bright wheel of choice

Family owned and operated, Ausway Transport was started in 2003 by the Sooch family. Based in Melbourne, it operates a fleet of over 50 trucks and more than 100 trailers, which run predominantly as B-doubles; though plans are currently in motion to extend into triple and quad road trains too. 

Operations manager Bobby Sooch says the business transports general and refrigerated freight across the eastern seaboard, into Adelaide, as well as occasional runs into WA. 

His family has a long history in transport, beginning with his grandfather who started up a transport business in northern India in 1962. 

ausway-1

When the family migrated to Australia in the early 1970s, they continued in the transport game. Though Ausway Transport was officially started in 2003, its origins extend much earlier.

Sooch says the company likes to stay loyal to its suppliers. Trucks have been Kenworth and Volvo since day one, with Scania added into the mix more recently due to supply. Refrigerated trailers come from FTE and tautliners are manufactured by Vawdrey. And when it comes to wheels, Alcoa Wheels is the number one choice.

“We like to stick to the same suppliers where we can and stay loyal. We’ve used Alcoa wheels on all our trucks from day one, so it’s a 19-year partnership. Our trucks are 100 per cent on Alcoa wheels, and the trailers are now above 50 per cent on Alcoa – but it’s now being rolled out as standard on all our trailers coming out of FTE and Vawdrey too,” Sooch explained.

“The other big advantage with sticking to one brand is that you can keep a few wheels handy as spare parts. We keep polished and unpolished truck rims handy in the workshop so we can do a quick changeover whenever we need to, which is really time saving. That’s only possible when you’re using the same rims on all the trucks and trailers.”

Sooch explained that he prefers to have his trailers built as strong as possible. “We always build heavier trailers because when you build them too light, there can be ongoing concerns with cracks in the chassis and gooseneck. The only way to prevent that is through extra bracing, which we always request.”

ausway-2
Refrigerated B-double from Fibreglass Transport Equipment

“When you push to build a trailer too much lighter, you have to cut corners to take the weight from somewhere. As we tell our trailer builders to build heavier and more solid, by using Alcoa, it means the extra weight they’re putting on is balanced out by the lighter wheels.”

“Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are lighter and more solid when compared to many other brands. If a driver does hit a kerb or something, they have that impact resistance.”

“The other main concern we’ve found with some other brands is cracking. You just don’t get the cracks with Alcoa that you can get with some of the other brands. Yes, there are some brands that are cheaper at the start, but they cost you more in the long term.”

And when it comes to cleaning, Sooch says Dura Bright is immaculate. “All they need is some water to make them shiny again. We take pride in our fleet and like to keep it looking flashy. Dura-Bright® rims are a big part of that.”

Over the past 19 years, the business has grown significantly, with Sooch revealing plans to add 14 triple road trains into the fleet. “We are waiting on the permits, as they’d need to run on PBS and IAP. There are only a couple of companies running triples here. There’s no current PBS triple network in Victoria but one is due to be released this year I’ve been told. We’re hoping to get triples running Melbourne to Brisbane.”

This article has been published elsewhere. Read it over at bigrigs.com.au.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

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October 31, 2022

ISO Certified for Michelin Tyre Fitting for Alcoa Alloy Rims

Truck and trailer rims and tyres in Australia have to withstand a lot, like uneven roads and potholes, so in order to maintain truck driver safety and to keep owner operator costs down the wheels need to roll reliably.

tyre-fitting-1

Alcoa Wheels is ISO certified for tyre fitting onto our truck and trailer rims, so that owner operators and trailer OEMs don’t need to worry about getting that step right. They can then have the ease of securing the entire wheel (tyre and rim) to the truck or trailer without hassle.

Our trailer OEM customers are able to order Alcoa wheels and tyres at the same time. The tyres are delivered to our warehouses in Melbourne and Brisbane and we fit them onto the wheels before shipping them.

Our relationship with Michelin tyres goes back 20 years, when we became the exclusive Michelin OEM fitment agent for Alcoa® alloy truck rims in Australia.

If tyres are mounted incorrectly, they can cause both static and dynamic imbalances that can’t be corrected by a simple wheel balancing, so at Alcoa Wheels we recommend having tyres fitted to our truck and trailer rims by our specialist team, who are trained in the use of tyre changing machinery.

HOW THE TYRE MOUNTING PROCESS WORKS
  1. The tyre fitting employee first coats the bead seating surfaces of the rim and tyre bead with a non-water based rubber lubricant to make pulling on the tyre easier. 
  2. The rim is clamped onto the mounting machine and the mounting arm is used to position the lower tyre flank on the rim’s upper edge.
  3. The mounting machine is made to rotate so that the tyre is pulled onto the rim.
  4. The process is repeated for the upper tyre bead. This step ensures the tyre will be firmly seated further into the process.
  5. The tyre is filled with air so that the tyre beads press against the rim, allowing no air to escape, and the tyre is checked for undulations in the sidewall.
  6. The tyre fitting employee then fully inflates the tyre to the stipulated tyre pressure and shuts the tyre valve.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TYRE FITTING
tyre-fitting-2

After the tyre has been fitted, bead areas are checked for uniformity so that we know the tyre is fitted correctly to ensure the tyre runs smoothly and safely.

Our trained and experienced fitters will fit tyres to your Alcoa wheels at the time of purchase, ensuring a high level of attention to detail while meeting and adhering to industry standards.

TYRE FITTING FOR ALCOA WHEELS

Howmet Wheel Systems Australia, the distributor for Alcoa Wheels in Australia, has ISO9001-15 Quality Management Systems certification, which means our fitters are kept up to date with the latest standards in the industry and we can guarantee the highest quality, consistency and safety in our work.

Our Brisbane operation is ISO14001-15 certified as well.

To be certified by the ISO (International Standards Organization) means we have been audited by an independent 3rd party, and that we have demonstrated that our business conforms to the requirements of the latest quality process standards set by the ISO. 

If you would like to know more about our tyre fitting service, call us on phone-icon 1800 955 181 – our wheel specialists have all the information you need.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
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To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

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October 22, 2022

Robuk and Alcoa Turning the Wheels to Increase Payloads

When higher payloads equate to higher returns on each trip, it pays to choose weight saving options that don’t compromise on quality, wherever possible, right down to the wheels.

In order to help customers increase payload capacity, Brisbane based trailer manufacturer, Robuk Engineering’s custom built, low tare weight aluminium trailers cater to the bulk haulage market, while specialising in lightweighting. “Tare weight is critical for us, hence the reason we use Alcoa,” said Robuk managing director James Yerbury, adding that the Alcoa Dura-Bright is the wheel of choice.

As Yerbury explained, the payload gains achieved are impressive. “Dura-Bright wheels are 5kg lighter per rim. On a PBS A-double you can save almost 200kg on the combination’s tare weight just by using these Alcoa rims. On an AB-triple, you’re looking at 240kg in weight savings, which is incredible.”

Based in the suburb of Hemmant, Robuk was started by Yerbury in June 2020. Working for a fellow trailer builder, he began his career in the trailer industry on the production side, before progressing into drafting and engineering roles, and then finally taking on the position of managing director at a well-known Queensland trailer builder. Eventually the time felt right to go out on his own, and with that, Robuk was born.

Starting out with just three staff living in a tiny shed in rural Queensland, in a very short period of time, Robuk has experienced solid growth and now employs 46 people. “We’ve just had our best month ever and are continuously hitting our production targets,” said Yerbury.

“An aluminium tipper can be anywhere from a tonne lighter compared to a steel bodied tipper. Our customers enjoy looking after their gear, and invest in spectacular prime movers, and it’s an absolute treat to manufacture premium quality trailers to make the entire combinations amazing. Along with using Alcoa rims, to keep our tare weights to a minimum we use high-end materials including 700 grade steel chassis and then it’s down to the design and engineering that keeps the weight down,” Yerbury added.

“All of our trailers are fully custom built – every single one. So, we’re not going through a production line and putting together pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. We invest in using the best products, taking the time to build our trailers correctly, and ensuring everything is complete with absolute precision. That goes right down to our choice of suppliers.”

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Robuk has been specifying Alcoa wheels since the beginning, though management have developed lasting relationships with Alcoa through previous roles, which extend over a decade.

“It’s great working with suppliers like Alcoa who invest in new materials and being at the forefront of new technologies,” says Yerbury.

According to Yerbury, Alcoa’s product quality is equally matched by the experience and aftersales service it provides. “Alcoa is great at always thinking ahead and always looking at ways to deliver better and lighter wheels. The useability, sustainability and visibility of Alcoa rims set them apart,” he said.

“Our trailers are predominantly servicing the grain industry, which is having another great season. Payloads are the money maker, so tare weight is critical – and up to 240kg in tare weight savings, just from the rims, goes a really long way.”

Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are an innovation that no competing wheel has been able to provide a competitive answer to because it is a surface treatment and not a coating.

The patented surface treatment penetrates the surface of the aluminium to form one composite that becomes an integral part of the wheel so cracking, corrosion and filiform can’t get underneath as is seen with acrylic and other coatings.

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“Dura-Bright® EVO wheels are Alcoa’s easiest-to-maintain wheels,” says Michael Nichols | National Sales Manager for Howmet Wheel Systems, Distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia. “They can stand up against the harshest weather, road grime and cleaning agents that are known to corrode and dull standard commercial truck, trailer and bus wheels.”

It also offers up to 3 times more resistance to chemicals, including hydrofluoric acid found in the toughest truck wash cleaning agents, and with the ability to be cleaned in a Ph environment 2-12, they stay shiny with regular truck cleaning products and even just soap and water – even after hundreds of washes and thousands of kilometres.

This, and Dura-Bright® wheels’ consistent shine without the need to polish are just two of their very attractive prospects for large fleets where well-presented equipment mean maintenance labour and time costs can be considerable.

Alcoa Dura-Bright® is available across most of the Alcoa wheel range, which means the premium benefits they are known for are not compromised:

  • their light weight (to increase payload and for better fuel efficiency),
  • their unmatched strength (proprietary MagnaForce® alloy is exclusive to Alcoa wheels and is 17% stronger than other standard alloys in the industry),
  • their improved heat dissipation results in extended tyre and brake life.

This article has been published elsewhere. Read it over at bigrigs.com.au.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
ult39-two-wheels-straight-right

To spec your wheels, ring phone-icon 1800 955 191 to talk with our wheel experts, or fill out a contact form and we will reach out to you to answer your questions and discuss your specifications.

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October 1, 2022