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.
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
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.
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.
The mounting machine is made to rotate so that the tyre is pulled onto the rim.
The process is repeated for the upper tyre bead. This step ensures the tyre will be firmly seated further into the process.
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.
The tyre fitting employee then fully inflates the tyre to the stipulated tyre pressure and shuts the tyre valve.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TYRE FITTING
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 1800 955 181 – our wheel specialists have all the information you need.
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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.”
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.
“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
To spec your wheels, ring 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
The Comprehensive Guide to Alcoa Wheels Hub Caps and Wheel Covers
Alcoa Hub covers are a great way to keep your wheels cleaner by shielding them from dirt, road debris and the elements.
They can protect the lug nuts and wheel surface from rust and corrosion and dust build-up, which means the essential parts of the wheel, like wheel studs and wheel hub, stay clean which makes it easier to remove the wheel for maintenance.
Alcoa Hub covers are built to last, made from durable ABS plastic, and finished with a highly reflective chrome look to enhance the aesthetic appeal of truck and trailer wheels by adding a shiny look.
Here is a guide to available Alcoa Wheels hub covers in Australia:
ALL ALCOA WHEELS HUB COVERS ARE:
Available in Drive, Steer and Trailer application
Designed with ABS plastic to provide durable strength and higher heat resistance
Superior chrome plated to ensure a durable and highly reflective finish
Quality tested and road-proven
Backed by a 2-year warranty
ONE PIECE HUB COVERS
Alcoa Wheels one piece hub covers are made for 10-285mm, 10 hole hub piloted wheels and come in sets of two.
One Piece Front Axle Hub Cover Kit – Part Number A086200DT1
This is a set of two hub covers for 10-285mm, 10-hole hub piloted wheels.
The kit also contains a removal tool.
Use a short handle rubber mallet to install.
One Piece Rear Axle Hub Cover Kit – Part Number A087200DT2
For 10-285mm, 10-hole hub piloted wheels.
The kit also contains a removal tool (Part Number 000800).
Use a short handle rubber mallet to install.
You’ll see that the one-piece rear axle hub covers have attachment towers with reinforced rings that clamp directly to the lug nut.
The nut towers are tall, which means the hub covers fit on a wider range of applications, disc brakes, and other new truck trend variations, for example wide-based wheels where the stud stand out is more pronounced.
The retention nut system ensures proper fitment.
Retention nuts clamp on to the hub cover. Sit on top of the stud.
Inside the one-piece hub cover system are retention cylinders that help hold the retention nuts firmly in place.
TO INSTALL:
Find a triangular pattern on the stud thread and apply hand tight the retention nuts on the 3 positions.
Take your hub cover and align the internal retention cylinders to the retention nuts.
Using a rubber hammer, snap the cover into place.
To remove, take the removal tool and find a notch between the hub cover system and the wheel face. Hook the removal tool over the edge of the hub cover system and pull gently.
MULTI-PIECE HUB COVERS
Alcoa Wheels multi-piece hub covers come in kits for either short stud axles or long stud axles. The long stud axle kits require a minimum of 4 threads per stud.
11 Piece Front Axle Hub Piloted Hub Cover Kit for Short Stud Axles – Part Number A076188
This uses an interlocking clamp system for 33mm lug nuts on American fitment 10 stud 22.5” and 24.5” wheels with short stud axles. Kit includes:
One Hub Cover
10 chrome screw-on 33mm Hug-a-Lug® nut covers (Part Number 001881) with clamps
One wrench (Part Number A000800).
11 Piece Rear Axle Hub Piloted Hub Cover Kit for Short Stud Axles – Part Number A077188
This uses an interlocking clamp system for 33mm lug nuts on American fitment 10 stud 22.5” and 24.5” wheels with short stud axles. Kit includes:
One Hub Cover
10 chrome screw-on 33mm Hug-a-Lug® nut covers (Part Number 001881) with clamps
One wrench (Part Number A000800).
11 Piece Front Axle Hub Piloted Hub Cover Kit for Long Stud Axles – Part Number A076185
This uses an interlocking clamp system for 33mm lug nuts on American fitment 10 stud 22.5” and 24.5” wheels with long stud axles. Kit includes:
One Hub Cover
10 chrome screw-on 33mm Hug-a-Lug® nut covers (Part Number 001851)
One wrench (Part Number A000800).
11 Piece Rear Axle Hub Piloted Hub Cover Kit for Long Stud Axles – Part Number A077185
This uses an interlocking clamp system for 33mm lug nuts on American fitment 10 stud 22.5” and 24.5” wheels with long stud axles. Kit includes:
One Hub Cover
10 chrome screw-on 33mm Hug-a-Lug® nut covers (Part Number 001851)
One wrench (Part Number A000800).
TO INSTALL:
Secure the cover by screwing the nut covers onto the inner clamps. Place the inner clamps onto the hex nut.
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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.
1Replaces Part Number A086100. 2Replaces Part Number A087100.
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September 23, 2022
Over 10,000 Wheels On the Ground at MGM Bulk
When you’re running some of the biggest quad road trains in the country, with a whopping 110 wheels under each set-up, you’d want to be sure that those wheels can go the distance.
From its depots at Bunbury, Perth and Port Hedland, MGM Bulk provides bulk haulage and material handling services to a wide range of mining clients across WA. It manages the logistics of mineral sands, iron ore, lithium, salt, gravel, limestone, sand and more.
The roots of the business date back 60 years, when Mario Giacci and his family started a small business specialising in transport and logistics in the 1950s. From these humble beginnings, the family business grew into a national business called Giacci Bros. Then in 2004, Mario Giacci also founded MGM Group, together with his daughter Giuditta and son Michael. Initially established as a supplier of reconstituted blocks, concrete and premium quarry materials, the ensuing decade saw MGM Group expand its operations, equipment and resources.
After the sale of Giacci Bros in 2014, MGM added a bulk division to the group, known as MGM Bulk.
Today, MGM Bulk’s impressive fleet is made up of 130 prime movers and over 400 trailers, which include a mixture of side and end tippers, tautliners, flat decks and tankers.
But the biggest combinations of all are its 60-metre ultra-quad side tipper combinations, which can achieve a whopping Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 210 tonne. There are 66 of these impressive set-ups in the fleet, all based at the Port Hedland operation, and used to transport various products from the mines to the port.
In addition, MGM Bulk also runs 17 additional 60-metre super quads, with a GVM of 195 tonne.
MGM Bulk fleet manager Allan Thomas explains, “Our ultra quads feature a tri drive single steer prime mover, then the first trailer is a tri axle trailer, and then you have three trailers behind that with tri axle dollies with four axles.”
Thomas has been with the company for close to a decade, working across various roles before taking on his current position two years ago. “As fleet manager, I order all the gear and also oversee maintenance too. At MGM Bulk, we buy the best components we can when we set up our new equipment, and we believe Alcoa is the best wheel on the market – they are better than anything else out there,” he said.
“We’re very specific in what we purchase. We buy Kenworth trucks, Bruce Rock trailers, BPW axles, Jost turntables – and Alcoa wheels. Since 2014, all the new equipment we purchase is on Alcoa wheels,”says Thomas.
Before chatting with Big Rigs, where this article was initially published, Thomas did some homework. “I’ve gone through my lists and I reckon we’ve now got over 10,000 Alcoa wheels on the ground,”he said.
Given the number of wheels sitting under many combinations in the MGM fleet, going for a lighter weight wheel can quickly add to the bottom line.
“We prefer to go for the Ultra ONE®s wherever we can. When you have 110 wheels under a super quad, the weight saving quickly adds up. By using the Ultra ONE®, it’s nearly a one tonne weight saving across each ultra quad, which means more payload.”
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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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August 30, 2022
The 3 Top Things to Do to Get the Best ROI From Your Dura-Bright® Wheels
Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are best known for their slogan, NO MORE POLISHING, because they are designed to lower maintenance costs with a patented surface treatment that penetrates the aluminium of the wheel, forming a molecular bond that becomes an integral part of the wheel.
This provides a protective shield against cracking, peeling and filiform corrosion, all the while keeping their shine and looking newer for longer, even after hundreds of washes* and thousands of kilometers.
To get the best return on investment, we recommend regular cleaning to the Alcoa Wheels specifications, along with following our top 3 tips for prolonging the life of your Dura-Bright® wheels.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE CLEANING THEM TO THE ALCOA WHEELS RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend that, just as you would care for any treated wheel, you consider the following when performing your regular cleaning of Dura-Bright® wheels:
Be aware of the pH of the cleaner (refer to point 1 below),
Check the chemical composition of the cleaner read the MSDS to ensure there are no harsh chemicals in there such as ammonia, bleach, or sodium hydroxide,
Make sure you watch the time for which the chemical is on the surface of the wheel,
While Dura-Bright® wheels are three times more resistant to harsh chemicals and 10 times more resistant to corrosion** caused by road salts and weather elements, they still needed to be regularly cleaned as per Alcoa Wheels recommendations.
Dura-Bright® wheels are designed to be more hydrofluoric acid resistant than coated aluminium wheels.
Their chemical resistance sits in the pH range of 2-12, so we recommend making sure you are not cleaning with a cleaner that’s too high in pH.
Q: What about the detergents being used to clean my truck and trailer? Will they affect my wheels?
A: The detergents that you clean your Truck and Trailer with should be fine to wash your wheels with. If you do use a high pH level cleaner to remove stubborn dirt and grime wash off immediately and do not allow to sit on the wheels.
Abrasive tools can still damage the durable surface of a Dura-Bright® wheel, and if corrosion happens to form due to the surface being scratched, you will void your Alcoa Wheels warranty.
2. Keep Brake Dust from Becoming Encrusted
The Alcoa Wheels warranty does not extend to Dura-Bright® wheels that have not been maintained frequently or that show encrusted brake dust.
3. Make Sure Contact with Other Wheel Components is Reduced
Corrosion and or discolouring of your Dura-Bright® wheels can occur as a result of making contact with other wheels, hubs, drums, wheel nuts, nut covers, and hub covers, as mentioned above.
Ensure that these are regularly checked and remedied before damage occurs, as this is not covered by your Alcoa Dura-Bright® Warranty.
WHAT IS COVERED BY YOUR DURA-BRIGHT WHEELS WARRANTY?
Dura-Bright® surface treated wheels are warranted against:
Filiform corrosion (worm or hair like lines, generally milky in appearance, underneath the surface protective treatment and emanating from damage to the surface treatment such as scratches or damage from mounting hardware or balancing weights)
Blistering due to loss of adhesion of the surface treatment
Lift off of the surface treatment due to physical damage
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SCRATCHES
It is natural that at some time during the service life of Dura-Bright® wheels, they might become scratched or damaged by road debris and/or mechanical damage.
If scratches or other damages occur to the Dura-Bright® treatment that expose the aluminium underneath, the exposed metal may naturally oxidize, but any corrosion will be limited to the exposed metal and will not extend into or underneath the Dura-Bright® treatment.
Continue to follow the recommended washing and cleaning instructions.
The mounting area can become scratched or discoloured when mounted against another wheel, hub or drum.
Similar scratches can be caused by contact with wheel nuts, nut covers, and hub covers, so keep on top of that.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DULL APPEARANCE
We have found some customers report that over a period of time Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels will become dull. This is due to a constant wash with soap and water.
To resolve this issue, dry your wheels off either with a soft cloth or chamois whenever you wash them.
This will help them keep their shine.
Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are designed for low maintenance, which means less time and money spent on cleaning.
By following the recommendations above, you will prolong the life of your Dura-Bright® wheels and avoid costly maintenance issues or replacements.
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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.
* Dura-Bright® wheels should be cleaned in accordance with the Alcoa® Dura-Bright® Cleaning Guide. ** After undergoing a 240 hours of CASS (Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray) tests
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August 8, 2022
Partnering for Lightweighting Win
It’s a partnership that spans 40 years or more, and that partnership is built on the shared values of quality, durability and reliability.
For over four decades, J&F have been commissioning trailer builds from Muscat Trailers, with Alcoa® as the wheel of choice.
This was the case with their latest slider and chassis tip wedge trailer they commissioned.
Designed and built out of the lightest componentry, the key objective of this combination was to ensure complete utilisation of the equipment and versatility in such a very unpredictable market.
Previously, the market would be such where a driver/company would deliver specific commodities, whether it be grain, rock or even steel. Over time, things have changed and the structure of businesses who have lasted the mile have had to become versatile to survive and thrive, thus altering the requirements of their trailers to accommodate the competitive and changing industry.
J&F Transport has done exactly that.
While lightweighting is not new, with many transport companies recognising the payload gains and fuel efficiency benefits, it has become a hot topic in the transport industry in recent years as things turn to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
More and more lightweighting components are becoming available for trucks and trailing equipment in areas such as the powertrain, axles and suspensions, wheel ends, drive shaft, chassis, 5th wheel, right down to the wheels.
“We went with the Ultra ONE® wheel on this combination because we wanted the most lightweight wheel option available, along with the strength and durability Alcoa guarantees,”says Troy Azzopardi, CEO of Muscat Trailers.
The Alcoa Ultra ONE® wheel is the lightest in the range of 22.5” x 8.25” Alcoa wheels. Weighing in at just 18kg, a 22-wheeler combination gains an extra 110kg when compared to specifying a standard aluminium 23kg wheel.
Over the lifetime of the equipment, this can add tens of thousands in payload dollars and save thousands on fuel costs.
Switching from steel wheels to Alcoa Ultra ONE® wheels saves upwards of 330kg in weight on a 22-wheeler combination.
Muscat Trailers has built a solid reputation in the trailer manufacturing industry. Their equipment is built to last the test of time and an extensive repeat customer portfolio is a testament to this.
Muscat Trailers dates back to the 1960’s with the company improving its designs and manufacturing techniques year by year, and in the process becoming well known for producing some of the most durable and innovative trailers available in Australia.
Today, run by Troy Azzopardi and his team, Muscat Trailers has kept its reputation for being unpretentious and modest, keeping costs down and making the trailers strong and reliable to meet customer needs whilst continually seeking the opportunity for innovation and exciting new developments.
“Every trailer we build has its own story and no two trailers are the same,”says Troy. “Each trailer is designed to do its job properly, so if it means coming up with a completely new design, then that’s what we provide.”
Take a listen to the Behind the Wheels Podcast where the Alcoa wheels experts talk about lightweighting with Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE):
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Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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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July 1, 2022
How To Avoid Overheating Alcoa® Wheels and How to Check Them For Heat Damage
Two of the most common questions we get asked about overheating wheels are:
How to check a wheel that shows a black heat indicator?
How do you prevent overheating in the first place?
HOW WHEELS ARE AFFECTED BY TYRES OVERHEATING
Doug Mason | Global Technical Manager at Howmet Wheel Systems, explains: “The main issue is that wheels are essentially aluminium that has been heat treated – in other words, its strength is imparted by going through a special thermal process during the manufacture of the wheel”.
“If you take the wheel to too high of a temperature out on the road, you can undo some of the strengthening that has occurred during the processing of the wheel, and then the open end of the wheel can reduce in size.”
When the open end of the wheel is reduced in size, there is a potential for the tyre to not seat properly, and possibly come right off, causing a very unsafe situation for the driver.
IF YOU’RE HAVING BEADS BURN UP, YOUR WHEEL IS LIKELY OVERHEATING TOO
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images
Dave Walters | Manager of Warranty and Field Service for Alcoa Wheels suggests that when it comes to tyres, if the tyre reaches up to 146°C (295°F), you’re going to start affecting the bead of the tyre.
“A steel or aluminium wheel can go past that temperature, fortunately, but at 204°C (400°F) for five minutes, that’s when you could have an issue with the wheel itself,” explains Dave.
Walters suggests that, if you’re noticing that your tyre beads are burning up, it’s important to look at the wheel too because that wheel will be taking a lot of heat as well.
“The tyres will go first,”confirms Dave, “But if you’re having tyre issues with bead issues, definitely start looking into the wheel and seeing how much heat the wheel’s getting.”
The Alcoa Wheels heat indicator located near the roll stamp will turn black if the wheel has become overheated.
CHECKING A WHEEL WHEN THE HEAT INDICATOR IS BLACK
Alcoa wheels come manufactured with a heat indicator so that drivers can have a clear indication of when the wheel has overheated.
How the heat indicator works is that if the wheel is heated to 400°F (204°C) for a period of 5 minutes, then sticker will turn brown first.
The rule of thumb is that if that sticker turns black, the wheel must immediately be removed from service.
The Alcoa Wheels heat indicator that turns black to indicate overheating of the wheel.
WHERE TO FIND HEAT INDICATORS ON ALCOA WHEELS
Forged aluminium wheels manufactured from January 2009 will have a 25mm clear, round heat indicator located next to the roll stamp on the inside, as well as a similar 25mm clear round heat indicator on the tyre side drop well.
If either of these round labels show signs of blistering, or have a charred, blackened, or cracked appearance, this may indicate the wheel has been exposed to excessive heat.
If the indicator shows any of the above signs, get the wheel out of service immediately so that it can be checked.
MEASUREMENTS TO CARRY OUT WHEN THE HEAT INDICATOR STICKER IS BLACK
There are 3 measurements or checks that can be carried out when a wheel’s heat indicator is showing black. This will determine whether the wheel is safe to return to service.
METHOD 1: ROLL THE WHEEL ON A FLAT SURFACE
Roll the wheel on a flat surface, if the wheel starts to turn – and it’s always going to turn to the open end if it’s not rolling in a straight line – then you know you have an issue.
Dave recommends rolling the wheel for about 8 feet on a flat surface.
“If you don’t have a flat surface, the next best method is simply a carpenter square,”he adds.
METHOD 2: USE A CARPENTER SQUARE TO CHECK THE WHEEL
If the carpenter square goes up and over the wheel, put that on the face of the wheel and measure to make sure you cannot fit 30,000ths of an inch (0.76mm) in between the open end and the carpenter square.
30,000ths is about the thickness of a credit card or Driver’s License.
Carry out this check in at least four spots.
METHOD 3: USE RPA TAPE TO CHECK THE WHEEL
The best method is to purchase a Ball Tape. The Ball Tape will give the most accurate information.
“It’s all about safety first,”says Dave. “If you see a brown indicator, measure it, just to be sure. If you see tyre bead issues, measure it. If you see a black indicator, then definitely measure it. We’ve seen too many people not following OSHA regulations out in the field – for example, putting a tyre on a damaged wheel. That tyre’s going to come off and someone will be at risk.”
ALCOA WHEELS HAVE TWO HEAT INDICATORS FOR EXTRA SAFETY
There are actually two heat indicators on an Alcoa wheel: one near the roll stamp on the outside of the wheel, and another is inside the tyre chamber (the tyre cavity area in the drop wall of the wheel).
They are in different areas for different reasons, of course, but it is helpful to be able to check the other if one is no longer functional.
PREVENTING OVERHEATING OF ALCOA WHEELS
Truck wheels are subject to a lot of wear and tear. The weight of the truck, combined with the friction from the road, can cause the wheels to heat up.
There are several things you can do to prevent your truck wheels from overheating:
MAKE SURE TYRES ARE INFLATED TO THE PROPER PRESSURE – When a tyre is underinflated, there is more contact between the tyre and the ground. This causes more friction, which in turn generates more heat.
AVOID OVERLOADING THE TRUCK AND TRAILER – When a truck combination is carrying extra weight, it puts more strain on the tyres and causes them to work harder, creating more heat.
AVOID BRAKING EXCESSIVELY OR MAKING SUDDEN STOPS – When you brake, the friction from the pads against the rotors slows the wheel down. This generates a lot of heat, which can build up over time and cause unwanted damage to the tyres or wheels.
SLOW DOWN WHEN DRIVING ON HOT DAYS – On hot days, the faster you drive, the more wind resistance there is, which can cause the tyres to overheat quicker.
USE A LOWER GEAR WHEN GOING UP HILLS – Using a lower gear when going up hills will also reduce the amount of friction.
GET YOUR TRUCK SERVICED REGULARLY – Regular services ensure the brakes are in good condition and not a risk for overheating your tyres.
By following these practices will help keep your truck and trailer wheels from overheating and extend their lifespan.
LISTEN TO THE ALCOA WHEELS EXPERTS SHARE THEIR ALMOST 100 YEARS OF WHEEL EXPERIENCE ON ALL THINGS AXLE-ENDS
To hear more from Alcoa Wheels experts on how overheating affects your truck and trailer wheels, check out this Behind the Wheels Podcast episode How Heat Buildup Impacts Your Wheels.
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Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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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June 13, 2022
JJ’s Waste Lead with Lowered Tare Mass for their Innovative Waste Management Technology Vehicles
No strangers to innovation, JJ’s Waste & Recycling are known for leading the way when it comes to providing Total Waste Management Solutions across their extensive range of commercial and domestic services – with operations throughout every state and territory in Australia, as well as in New Zealand and USA.
The company, then known as J.J. Richards and Sons Pty Ltd, had humble beginnings in 1932, when Joseph John Richards won his first refuse and sanitary kerbside collection contract in Murwillumbah Shire.
Many innovations have been introduced by the Company in their 90-year history including the very first side loading waste collection vehicle which would lead to the automated SOLO truck, designed to collect standard 240L bins while the driver remained in the vehicle, revolutionising domestic collections in Australia.
The innovations continued when they introduced the first split recycling vehicle in the 1990s, and then in 2003 commenced a joint venture with Veolia for the development of the Ti-Tree Bio-Reactor Landfill. This was the first of its kind in Australia.
Their commitment to providing the latest in waste management technology with reliability, safety and environmental benefits at the forefront, JJ’s Waste partnered in 2016 with Volvo to develop the first dual-control Euro VI side load waste collection vehicle in Australasia.
There are over 200 Euro VI Volvos operating in their fleet today.
The JJ’s Waste fleet of 1,800 vehicles work hard to perform a variety of solid, hazardous and liquid waste collection services for over 110,000 commercial customers and performs 2.5 million domestic garbage, recycling and organics collections services per week under contract for 56 local authorities.
With hard working equipment comes a need for durable and reliable vehicle components.
JJ’s Waste took another giant leap for the waste removal industry when they decided to switch their entire fleet over from steel wheels to aluminium. The Company’s Fleet Team are dedicated to sourcing the best in vehicles and components, which is why they made the decision to specify Alcoa® wheels.
“We wanted a wheel that was a reputable brand with proven quality as wheels are such a critical item, you cannot chance unknown brands or cheap quality,”says Owen Burton | National Fleet Manager for JJ’s Waste and Recycling.
The rewards have been worthwhile, too, according to Owen:
“We found a reduction in vehicle tare mass, as well as better presentation for the vehicles. Most importantly, we found we could rely on Alcoa wheels to do what they were designed to do.”
Aluminium wheels have long been known to have a number of benefits over steel, such as:
Aluminium is much lighter than steel, so it can help reduce fuel costs and increase payload gains by reducing the weight of the truck.
The lighter the truck, the more cargo it can legally carry. The weight of an Alcoa forged aluminium 22.5” x 8.25” hub piloted wheel is 18kg vs an equivalent steel wheel at 40kg. With larger payloads due to the weight savings, trips – and therefore fuel emissions – are reduced.
Aluminium does not rust like steel does so costs less to maintain. Alcoa wheels are more resistant to corrosion that can build up on wheels, and there is no need to spend money refurbishing or repainting tired looking wheels.
Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels don’t even need to be polished – the proprietary surface treatment allows them to be cleaned with just soap and water, reducing lifetime maintenance costs significantly without losing the Alcoa wheel well-known durability and strength. Other companies who specify Dura-Bright wheels for their fleets are Corbet’s Group and KS Easter, both for different reasons.
Aluminium conducts heat better than steel, so it helps keep brakes cooler and can extend their life.
When a refuse truck stops-and-goes 600 to 800 times a day, often in already high Australian temperatures, the benefit of aluminium giving up heat faster means heat is dissipated away from the brakes – thus keeping them from wearing out.
Heading toward the future with still more innovations, JJ’s Waste & Recycling are continually looking at ways to provide our customers with the latest in waste management technology, with reliability, safety and environmental benefits at the forefront.
Trials are currently underway of their first electric vehicle and later this year they will commence trials of Australia’s first-ever hydrogen fuelled garbage truck.
LISTEN TO THE ALCOA WHEELS EXPERTS SHARE THEIR ALMOST 100 YEARS OF WHEEL EXPERIENCE ON ALL THINGS AXLE-ENDS
To hear more from Alcoa Wheels experts on aluminium vs. steel wheels, check out this Behind the Wheels Podcast episode Aluminium Wheels vs. Steel Wheels: An Age-Old Debate.
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Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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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June 1, 2022
6 Things To Do To Extend the Life of Your Alcoa Wheels and Eliminate Unnecessary Replacements
Maximizing the life of a wheel’s original finish starts with regular washing and using mild detergents and soft bristled brushes, and there are also several other ways in which you can get the most out of your investment and avoid having to replace wheels prematurely.
An active fleet wheel maintenance program keeps your trucks traveling safely, extends the life of your tyres, and creates less downtime, so your fleet’s productivity stays up.
Your drivers will also appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained vehicle.
Get things right at the wheel ends and you will maximise the life of your wheels.
Check the tyre pressure regularly and adjust to the manufacturer’s recommendations – overinflated or underinflated tyres can cause problems with your truck’s handling, which can lead to premature wear on wheels and therefore unnecessary replacements.
Because over-inflated tyres are harder than properly inflated ones, they become more susceptible to punctures and impact breaks. The over-inflation can affect tyre traction and lead to irregular wear patterns.
Under-inflated tyres are also dangerous because they generate excess heat which can weaken the internal tyre structure – making your truck or trailer use more fuel.
Image credit: Jim Park
2. Inspect wheel nuts and bolts for tightness and re-tighten as necessary
If you detect rust streaks, it usually means you have a loose fastener or broken stud.
Look for missing valve caps, broken studs, rust streaks from bolt holes, cracks in the washers of hub-piloted wheels, variations in the number of stud threads, wheels/drums not seated properly on the hub, cracks or damage on any wheel component, excessive pitting or corrosion that has reduced material thickness and the recommended tire pressure.
In a recent article on maintenance advice for fleets, Dave Waters | Manager of Warranty and Field Service for Alcoa Wheels, stated:
“The studs are stretched every time wheels are torqued up. They act as a spring in the system, so making sure they are not stretched beyond their yield point is critical. Studs can be checked with a tread gauge.”
He continued: “The nuts are critical, especially on a hub pilot wheel system, because they have at least two pieces of a nut body and a washer base.”
Walters also added that nuts require free movement between the body and the base, and he recommended “a drop or two of oil” for the nuts every time they are installed, as well as a drop or two of oil on the studs.
Loose wheel nuts cause stress on the stud hole, which in turn may cause a wheel off situation.
3. Clean Alcoa wheels with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth
The build-up of dirt and grime can lead to corrosion, which dulls and pits wheels.
Using strong detergents, alkaline or acidic cleaners can etch the surface of the aluminium and cause the dull areas on the wheels, too.
Learn more about cleaning Alcoa wheels to maintain their shine.
4. Apply an aluminium polish every few months to keep your Alcoa wheels looking shiny.
If you don’t want to have to polish your wheels, Alcoa Dura-Bright® surface treatment cleans with just soap and water and maintains the wheels’ shine without the need to polish.
5. Rotate your truck wheels on a regular cycle to improve their tyre life.
6. Balance your truck wheels periodically. Out of balance wheels and tyres can cause vibration and premature wear.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when taking care of your heavy-duty equipment.
For trucks, trailers, and buses, the Alcoa Wheels service manual for professionals explains wheel service, including mounting and demounting of ball seat and hub pilot mount wheels.
The manual uses graphics, theme headings and subject labels to guide the reader through blocks of information. This structure allows wheel service personnel to quickly find the specific facts they need and skim over what they don’t.
The Alcoa Wheels five-year limited warranty is explained in the service manual, too.
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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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May 22, 2022
How to Maintain That Alcoa Wheels Shine on Your Truck and Trailer Wheels
Aluminium truck and trailer wheels are well known for their good looks and shine, with less maintenance required than steel wheels.
Keeping them looking their best is not only important for your company image, but for maintaining a healthy bottom line.
Leaving your wheels to collect dirt for too long will eventually result in time-consuming and costly maintenance.
Cleaning them on a regular basis will protect your investment and even extend their lifespan so you don’t have to replace wheels prematurely.
How to Clean Alcoa Wheels Using Wheel Cleaner
HINT: Always start by using a soft brush or rag to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the wheel.
Rinse the wheel with warm water; preferably using a high pressure hose.
Next, pour some wheel cleaner and water into a bucket, diluting the cleaner according to how dirty the wheel is.
Wet a soft brush or cloth in the bucket of diluted wheel cleaner and rub over the entire surface of the wheel to remove any grease or grime.
Rinse the wheel off with a hose or pressure washer to remove any cleaner residue.
Finally, wipe the wheels dry with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming.
Cleaning Alcoa Wheels with Degreaser
Use a brush or rag to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the wheel.
Spray a degreaser onto your wheels and let it sit for a few minutes.
Rinse off the degreaser and scrub the wheel with a brush.
Next, pour some wheel cleaner and water into a bucket and soak a cloth in it.
Rinse off the cleaner and dry the wheel with a towel or rag.
Removing Tar from Alcoa Wheels
Tar can be difficult to remove from forged aluminium truck wheels, but not impossible.
Start by using a soft brush or rag to remove as much of the tar as you can.
Soak a cloth in hot water and add some wheel cleaner.
Rub the cloth over the surface of the wheel to help loosen the tar.
Rinse the wheel off with a hose or pressure washer.
Repeat steps 2-4 until all of the tar is removed.
Dry the wheel with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming.
TIPS FOR THE BEST CLEAN
Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the finish of the wheels.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface.
Always rinse the wheels off after cleaning to remove any soap residue or cleaner.
Using a wheel polish will restore shine and remove any remaining dirt or grime.
IMAGE CREDIT: @Thibaud_Betrix
NO MORE POLISHING + WATER-SAVING + LESS HARSH CHEMICALS PUT INTO THE ENVIRONMENT
For wheels that need no polishing and less maintenance, Alcoa Dura-Bright® wheels are the way to go.
They stay shiny with regular truck cleaning products and even just soap and water – even after hundreds of washes and thousands of kilometres.
The Dura-Bright® 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.
“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.”
Alcoa 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.
“Dura-Bright® wheels clean with a simple soap and water wash, and not only do they take less time to clean than standard brushed aluminium wheels, they don’t need to be polished, so there are less chemicals going into the environment and less water used.”
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 (increased payload, better fuel efficiency),
their unmatched strength (proprietary MagnaForce® alloy is exclusive to Alcoa wheels and is 17% stronger than any other heavy duty truck wheel alloy in the industry),
their improved heat dissipation results in extended tyre and brake life.
How to Clean Dura-Bright Wheels
Allow wheels to cool below 35° C. Remove nut covers.
Rinse with water.
Mix water with a mild detergent
Clean the wheel with a soft brush.
Rinse with water.
Watch the Video on How to Clean Dura-Bright Wheels
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EXTENDING WHEEL LIFE
Inspect your truck and trailer wheels regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear.
If you notice any problems, take the wheels to a qualified technician for repair.
The Alcoa Wheels 5 Year Warranty ensures that you have peace of mind when it comes to your investment. If you have a warranty issue, please contact us as soon as you can.
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
To spec your wheels, ring 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.
1800 955 181 – our wheel specialists have all the information you need.
