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.

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

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

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  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

Since Alcoa Wheels were first introduced to Australia in 1985 —when steel wheels were the go-to for heavy duty vehicles— it has become commonly accepted that aluminium wheels are easier to maintain, look better for longer, and because of their light weight are a good way to meet lower-cost-of-ownership goals.

While aluminium wheels make maintenance easier compared with steel, they still need regular washing with a mild detergent, along with polishing to maintain their shine and keep oxidation at bay.

“Many heavy haulage companies in Australia have to contend with our harsh environment,” says Ross Simmons, Managing Director for Howmet Wheel Systems – distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia.

“It’s not only constant exposure to dirt, dust and road salts that are a problem,” he adds. “Heavy acids in truck washes can also contribute to aluminium wheels becoming dull and pitted.”

The choice of finish for your aluminium wheels is determined by how heavy-duty your equipment’s needs are, and also whether your bottom line can benefit from lowered cleaning and maintenance costs and less wheel-offs.

What makes wheel finish matter is

• how healthy your bottom line is,
• what your equipment’s day-to-day workload is,
• the environment your equipment is exposed to, and
• how important a pristine image is to customer satisfaction and retention.

These factors all determine which wheel finish you might choose to adopt.

Alcoa Wheels in Australia come in 3 finishes and a patented surface treatment:

• Brushed Finish
• LvL ONE^®
• Mirror Polish
• Dura-Bright^®

Brushed Finish

(Alcoa Wheels Product number ends with 0)

The Brushed finish option displays a clean, satin appearance and is a basic maintenance finish (machine finish). The wheel is non-reflective and finished on both sides.

HOW TO MAINTAIN  ALCOA^® WHEELS BRUSHED FINISH:

• Rinse with warm water; preferably with a high-pressure cleaner
• Dilute truck wash detergent in water.
• Gently brush the detergent onto the wheel using a soft brush.
• Rinse with clean water. Repeat steps if needed.
• Dry the wheel.

LvL ONE^® Finish

(Alcoa Wheels Product number ends with 7 e.g. ULT397, or 882517)

Wheels with LvL ONE^® finish option are finished on both sides, polished once as they leave the factory’s precision machining process, resulting in a smoother and glossier surface than wheels that are Brushed finished.

They can be used in steer, drive and trailer application, and are supplied either inner polished, outer polished, or polished on both sides.

LvL ONE^® is an advanced finishing technology developed by Howmet Aerospace, of which Alcoa Wheels is a product brand, and wheels finished with LvL ONE^® technology have a high end, near polished appearance that is six times brighter than any brush finished forged aluminium wheel in its class.

LvL ONE^® wheels require the usual procedure when it comes to maintenance: a regular clean with mild detergent and a soft brush, and if a shiny surface is desired, polishing is needed.

HOW TO MAINTAIN LvL ONE^® FINISH:

1. Rinse with warm water; preferably with a high-pressure cleaner.
2. Dilute truck wash detergent in water.
3. Gently brush the detergent onto the wheel using a soft brush.
4. Rinse with clean water. Repeat steps if needed.
5. Dry the wheel.
6. If polishing, apply a small amount of polish to the wheel.

TIP: Spread the polish evenly over the wheel in sections using a dampened cloth and polish (polishing in sections will prevent the polish from drying out).

Mirror Polish

(Product number ends with 1, 2, 3 e.g. ULT391, 776472, or 882523)

The name says it all: Mirror Polish is a premium polished finish so clear, it reflects like a mirror – the highest polish and reflectivity on the market.

Mirror Polish finish option is available on wheels for light trucks, heavy trucks, buses and trailers.

• Part numbers ending in 1 are Mirror Polish outside only.
• Part numbers ending in 2 are Mirror Polish inside only.
• Part numbers ending in 3 are Mirror Polish both sides.

HOW TO MAINTAIN MIRROR POLISH:

1. Rinse with warm water; preferably with a high-pressure cleaner.
2. Dilute truck wash detergent in water.
3. Gently brush the detergent onto the wheel using a soft brush.
4. Rinse with clean water. Repeat steps if needed.
5. Dry the wheel.
6. Apply a small amount of polish if the wheel has become dull.

TIP: Spread the polish evenly over the wheel in sections using a dampened cloth and polish  (polishing in sections will prevent the polish from drying out).

Dura-Bright® EVO

(Part Numbers end in DB e.g. ULT392DB, 882513DB, 77642DB)

Proprietary Dura-Bright^® EVO surface treatment is the way to go if you want to never polish your wheels again.

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 Alcoa Wheels in Australia. “They can stand up against the harshest weather and road grime, and even cleaning agents that are known to corrode and dull standard commercial truck, trailer and bus wheels.”

Dura-Bright^® Surface treatment 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.

The fact that they clean with just soap and water, along with 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 means maintenance labour and time costs can be considerable.

For highly regarded fleets like K S Easter and Corbet’s Group, for example, not only is a pristine fleet paramount to their business, but so is the time and money saved on maintenance. As a result, they standard spec Dura-Bright^® wheels.

Available across a range of Alcoa wheels, including the lightest wheel in the market, the 18kg Ultra ONE^®, this ‘finish’ not only supports the bottom line by offering lowered maintenance, but comes with all the premium Alcoa wheel benefits of:

• 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 alloy in the industry),
• their improved heat dissipation (extended tyre and brake life).

HOW TO MAINTAIN ALCOA^® DURA-BRIGHT^® WHEELS

Regular cleaning with a mild detergent will keep the wheels shiny, even after hundreds of washes and thousands of kilometres, reducing maintenance costs.

Dura-Bright^® wheels look bright and shiny for years without polishing.

“Because Dura-Bright^® wheels clean with a simple soap and water wash, they take less time to clean than standard brushed aluminium wheels,” says Michael Nichols.

“They don’t need to be polished, so there is a lot of value added to the bottom line in saved cleaning time and costs.”

HOW TO TELL WHICH FINISH YOUR ALCOA WHEELS ARE

You might be looking for what finish of Alcoa wheel you have if you are wanting to purchase a replacement, or match the other wheels on your equipment.

The Alcoa Wheels roll stamp and label will tell you everything you need to know.

The part number is the best way to identify which finish option the wheel has, with the last number of the 6 digits being the indicator.

For example, if the wheel part number ends in a 7, the wheel is a LvL ONE^® finish.

Part numbers ending in 1, 2 or 3 denote a Mirror polish finish.

Font or Steer applications end in the number 1.

Rear or Drive Applications and Trailer wheels will end in a 2.

Dura-Bright^® wheel part numbers end in DB (remember, these are treated with a proprietary surface treatment).

Authentic Alcoa wheels all have the iconic Alcoa Wheels label on them, which helps distinguish between various finishes.

Brush Finish will have the well-known BLUE Alcoa Wheels label.

LvL ONE^® wheels have ‘LvL ONE^®’ on the BLUE Alcoa Wheels label, and Mirror polished wheels have ‘Mirror Polish’ on the BLUE Alcoa Wheels label.

Dura-Bright^® wheels have a BLACK Alcoa Wheels label with ‘Dura-Bright^® EVO’ written on it.

See How Alcoa Wheels Premium Finishes Stack Up Against Competitors

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.

When you think of lightweighting, the obvious ‘fuel economy and improvement to freight efficiency gains’ may spring to mind, however it is fast becoming seen as a megatrend in the heavy vehicle transportation industry – especially with all eyes on its impact on air pollution.

According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), what isn’t talked about enough is the impact that having fewer trucks carrying the same amount of payload has on the transportation industry as a whole – from economics to sustainability.

This is directly in line with the core mission of Alcoa Wheels – to innovate the lightest and strongest wheels in the market so that we can help transportation businesses lower their operating costs and drive up their bottom line, while at the same time meeting current emissions regulations.

Lightweighting can take place in various areas of the truck and trailer including the powertrain, axles and suspensions, wheel ends, drive shaft, chassis, 5th wheel, and more.

It is interesting to note that wheels are often a ‘last thought’ when fleets and OEMs are thinking ‘lightweighting’, however the weight gains are significant enough for them to be a strong contender in the movement to reduce equipment weight – especially when factored into an overall business growth strategy.

We’ve unpacked the 5 ½ most logical reasons for lightweighting with Alcoa Wheels below. We’ve said 5 ½ reasons, tongue-in-cheek, because there are 5 clear pros and just one con … that can be turned into a pro, depending on how you look at it.

5 PROS OF LIGHTWEIGHTING HEAVY-DUTY EQUIPMENT WITH ALCOA WHEELS

PRO 1: FUEL SAVINGS

The NACFE’s Lightweighting Confidence Report for 2021 cites a 0.5% to 0.6% saving for every 500kg of weight reduction.

The new Alcoa Ultra ONE^® 18kg Wheel is already helping fleets, owner-operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduce truck and trailer weight by up to 590 kg versus steel wheel options, and up to 100kg for a standard 22 wheel truck and trailer combination compared with other aluminium wheel options.

PRO 2: BETTER PAYLOAD

Every kilogram taken off a truck equates to a kilogram of payload that the truck can carry.

For example: Alcoa Ultra ONE^® 22.5” x 8.25” wheels will create an extra ~440kg on standard 22-wheeler Tri Axle combination when switched from steel wheels of the same dimensions, so you can reduce your trips or carry more.

• 55 more 43” Flat Screen TVs (8kg each)
• 125 more chickens (weighing an average of 3.5kg)
• 535 litres more gasoline
• 190 more bricks (an average brick weighing 2.3kg)
• 440 more bunches of bananas (weighing an average of 1kg each)
• 2000 more cans of beer (each weighing 220g)

Did you know that you don’t have to switch from steel to save? Choosing Alcoa Ultra ONE^® 22.5 x 8.25” wheels over the industry standard aluminium wheel of the same size will create an extra ~ 88kg.

Work out your savings by putting your numbers into our Payload Calculator and see for yourself.

This payoff is taken very seriously in the Australian mining industry, for example, where a road train with a Tri Drive pulling 3 x Quad Axle Tippers gains an extra ~248kg by spec’ing the 18kg Alcoa Ultra ONE^® wheel over other aluminium wheels in the market. 

“What is not talked about enough is that understanding the true benefits of reducing heavy-duty vehicle weight is have fewer trucks carrying the same amount of payload.” – North American Council for Freight Efficiency

PRO 3: DRIVER RETENTION

Employee satisfaction is directly proportional to how long a person remains in a role, and it has been recorded in a 2016 survey of 6200 truck drivers at two large fleets that those who believed their safety was prioritised by their employer felt more valued and were more likely to stay in their jobs.

Alcoa Wheels create room to move so that driver amenities to enhance safety, for example, can be incorporated in the truck.

Driver retention means less money spent recruiting and training new employees due to high turnover of dissatisfied staff.

PRO 4: ADDED TECHNOLOGIES TO MEET REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES

Australian heavy vehicle industry is legally bound by existing Euro V noxious emissions standards. Fortunately, with our relatively clean air compared to larger countries like the US and China, transport companies save on the cost of needing to spec technologies designed to meet international noxious emissions standard which cost 3 to 5% more to produce.

However, as pressure mounts to join the rest of the world in combating climate change, fleets who want to contribute to sustainable strategies as a part of their vision and mission, by fitting aerodynamic devices, onboard payload monitoring technologies, idle reduction products, for example, will need to offset that weight to maintain their bottom line.

Alcoa Wheels offset the weight of these technologies, enabling fleets and owner-operators to not have to compromise on payload, for example.

PRO 5: SUSTAINABILITY

Reducing the number of trucks needed to haul the same quantities of freight has a substantial impact on sustainability.

Alcoa Wheels currently holds the patent for the strongest Aluminium Alloy in the heavy-duty vehicle wheel market. The Alcoa MagnaForce^® alloy was introduced to the market in 2013 and, for the first time in 45 years, aluminium alloy had become the strongest yet, offering a 17% increase in strength over existing alloys only available to Alcoa Wheels.

The Alcoa Ultra ONE^® wheel can carry the same load of 3,360kg as a previous 20.36kg Wheel, while being almost 2.5kg lighter!

Trucks that have to travel less haulage runs because they can carry more means less trucks on the road, which means cleaner air and healthier citizens (who are customers, employees, family members).

It was in 1968 that Alcoa set the industry standard when it launched its 6061 alloy for forged aluminum wheels. Alcoa’s 6061 material provided a strong, durable alloy, resistant to corrosion that is used to this day by all major forged aluminum wheel manufacturers.

Now, an alloy that’s 17% stronger – and exclusive to Alcoa Wheels only – is available. Engineered with the proprietary MagnaFroce^® Alloy, Alcoa Ultra ONE^® wheels offer the ultimate balance of strength and weight savings, allowing the heavy-duty transport industry to carry more load and save more fuel.

CONS OF LIGHTWEIGHTING WITH ALCOA WHEELS

CON: UPFRONT COSTS

It can be a daunting outlay spec a premium wheel when considering the lightweighting of a transportation company’s equipment, however, over the lifetime of the equipment the cost savings and profit gains are significant.

The Australian Government’s Instant Asset Write-off is turning this ‘con’ into a ‘pro’.

Read how specing or upgrading to Alcoa^® Wheels makes financial sense.

While there are some other cons attributed to lightweighting, such as negative impacts on resale value, higher maintenance costs and redundant product testing that pertain to other lightweighting strategies (things like 13-liter engines, short and/or flat-topped sleepers, 6×2 axles, and less fuel tank capacity result in a lower resale value, according to NACFE), these are not applicable to Alcoa Wheels.

As far as we can tell, lightweighting isn’t going anywhere, with the pros far outweighing the cons.

“In the heavy vehicle transport industry, weight costs,” says Ross Simmons, Managing Director of Howmet Wheel Systems, distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia. “Being able to lighten a truck and trailer by potentially hundreds of kgs equals profit — it’s just that simple.”

Listen to the Alcoa wheel experts chatting about lightweighting with Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE)  over at the Behind the Wheels Podcast:

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.

Alcoa^® Wheels didn’t stop at the invention of the forged aluminium wheel in 1948.

We have continued to stay at the leading edge of innovation and are using our wheel technologies to help forge the future of the transportation industry.

New technologies such as electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, along with decarbonization initiatives, fuel emissions regulations, green gas house emissions standards, and sustainable city transportation are having an impact on how fleets operate. 

Vehicles are getting heavier due to the technologies required to meet climate change driven standards, when in the transport industry every kilogram counts.

The Future is Electric

 We have seen a range of prototypes, demonstration trucks, and commercially available hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in electric vehicles come onto the market.

Bollinger and Toyota in North America, Tata in India, and BYD and Chanje in China have introduced prominent new 2019 and 2020 models.

Both Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks started producing electric trucks in 2019, and Scania released two battery electric city distribution trucks in early 2020.

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, took the Volvo FL Electric for a drive on his visit to Volvo Australia Headquarters in 2021.

Big changes are on the horizon for the future of the transport industry, with Daimler Trucks committing in October 2019 to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2039 and Volvo Trucks announcing in late 2020 its intention for all of its trucks to be fossil fuel free by 2040.

What do Alcoa Wheels have to do with electrification of vehicles?

It’s all about light weighting.

The environmental impact of battery electric vehicles is significantly lower than vehicles with an internal combustion engine, according to a life cycle assessment (LCA) of distribution vehicles published by Scania in 2021.

This means that lighter wheels are becoming a more and more important consideration as we move towards a more sustainable future.

“The push toward electrification in the industry now is driving the light weighting crusade with batteries currently being very heavy,” says Michael Nichols, National Sales Manager of Howmet Wheel Systems, distributor of Alcoa Wheels in Australia.

Fitting lighter wheels not only offsets the added weight of the battery, but they help extend battery life and improve range.

A good example is shown in the bus segment where one OEM notes, “Weight needs to be reduced to get maximum battery capacity and passenger loading while respecting the various regulations (local, state, and federal).

“For every ~150 lbs (~68kg) reduced, one extra passenger can be added.  Alternatively, with Battery energy density of 160 Wh/kg, ~3 miles (~4.8km) of range could be added.”

“The term ‘innovation’ is thrown around a lot nowadays,” says Nichols. “But when it comes to Alcoa Wheels, our 70+ years of innovation has resulted in real benefits for the customer – lighter weight, stronger wheels with less fuel costs…and now, lower carbon emissions.”

The new Alcoa Ultra ONE^® 18kg Wheel is already helping fleets, owner-operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduce individual truck and trailer weight by up to 590 kg versus steel options, and up to 100kg for a standard 22 wheel truck and trailer combination, compared with other aluminium wheel options.

The Future Is Aerodynamic

If you thought that aerodynamics was just for airplanes, you would have been right…a few years ago. Nowadays, the transport industry on the ground are seeking to streamline fleets with aerodynamic solutions as the mega trends in sustainability continue to grow.

With the cost of diesel going up, and with increased government activity to reduce greenhouse gases, interest in aerodynamics is becoming a much talked about topic in land transportation.

Aerodynamics reduces air drag which means a lowered fuel consumption and therefore CO₂ emissions and is becoming popular for fleets.

For long-haul operators, there’s a definite advantage to streamlining with aerodynamic products, and fleets are doing it through trial and error at the moment, according to Dave Walters, manager of warranty and field service for Alcoa Wheel Products, who acted as chairman for the Technology and Maintenance Council’s (TMC) Recommended Practice (RP) 261, Considerations for Aerodynamic Wheel Covers over in the US.

Doug Mason, Alcoa Wheels Global Technology Manager (pictured) shares the following example to highlight the trial and error: “A fleet that adds a trailer skirt might see 5 percent savings.

They might then decide to add another component that should provide an additional 2 percent savings, but only realise 4 percent instead of seeing a total 7 percent in savings.”
Mason explains: “The interaction between the two components did change the airflow, but because of the complexity of the truck and trailer designs themselves, the addition of the second aerodynamic device may have actually created more drag.”

Mike Yagley, global program launch manager for Alcoa Wheel Products says, “The aerodynamics of trucks are just so complex, and the best data out there … belongs to the fleets. They know exactly what they get for the aerodynamics.” 

What do Alcoa Wheels have to do with aerodynamics?

In order to improve aerodynamic performance equipment are added to the vehicle, which all add weight.

Alcoa Wheels, as the lightest and strongest in the market, are considered by fleets and OEMs to help offset the additional weight from the aerodynamic equipment without compromising on the load capacity.

Larger fleets may spec Alcoa Wheels as standard across their equipment, as this provides a stable and consistent measure while trying new technologies to lower emissions and meet standards.

Howmet Aerospace, manufacturer of Alcoa Wheels, is at the forefront of what is working in the field of aerodynamics, and what wheel experts like Mason, Walters and Yagley are seeing is that the benefits of aerodynamic products in the future, especially wheels, will far outweigh the setbacks of the current ‘test and measure’ phase –  such as proper installation of aerodynamic devices, choosing the right ones, or ensuring they don’t damage parts of the vehicle to which they’re mounted.

Alcoa Wheels’ innovative wheel technologies will continue to forge the future of the transport industry as it adjusts to demands to become more and more sustainable.

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.

Truck and trailer wheels made from aluminium do cost more money up-front, there’s no denying it. But as it turns out, they are the smarter investment in the long run – especially with the Australian government’s extension of the Instant Asset Write-off tax break.

With the Instant Asset Write-off, businesses can claim an immediate deduction of the cost of an asset in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use. At the time of writing this, the assets will need to be used for the first time or installed ready for use by June 30, 2023.

“The extension of temporary full expensing to 2023 will continue to drive trucking business investment and help more businesses purchase safer trucks and trailers,” Australian Trucking Association CEO, Andrew McKellar, has said.

What this means for Australian transport business owners who may need to replace equipment, increase equipment numbers and/or improve equipment, is that now could be the time to explore Alcoa^® Wheels when buying a new truck or trailer, or upgrading their wheels to Alcoa Dura-Bright^® Wheels.

“Trucking businesses have rightly seen the measure as a once in a lifetime opportunity to renew their fleets,” McKellar said.

It’s no secret that forged aluminium truck wheels cost more money than steel wheels, so often this seems like the most economical choice.

A 22.5” by 8.25” steel wheel sells for between $100 and $140. An aluminium wheel, like the Alcoa Ultra ONE^® wheel, in the same size can cost two to three times that.

While it might seem economical to go for a cheaper wheel, aluminium wheels work out to be a smart investment for a transport company’s bottom line in the long run.

Here are some of the key benefits of Alcoa^® Wheels and 6 reasons why they make more financial sense than generally believed:

1. Fuel Savings

Many people know that investing in the right set of tyres can cut down on rolling resistance and therefore increase fuel savings.

When Alcoa wheels are combined with low rolling resistance tyres, the fuel efficiency is maximised again by some 3% or more! And this is supported by research – a 2012 study of Alcoa forged aluminium wheels in the US.

The study also found that the fuel efficiency savings of Alcoa wheels contributed to a decrease of the carbon footprint of commercial vehicles; so much so that trucks that switched from steel to aluminium reduced carbon emissions by 16.3 metric tons over the lifespan of the wheels, which equals the carbon footprint of an average 4 person household over a year’s time!

According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, light weighting technologies save 0.5% to 0.6% of fuel per 450-500kg (1,000 pounds) of weight reduction.

Upgrading to the new Alcoa Ultra ONE^® 18kg wheel from the equivalent 22.5” x 8.25” steel wheel, for example, will lighten a standard truck and trailer by over 600kg.

If we calculated that over the 14 year lifetime of a truck and 10 year lifetime of the trailer, there are some substantial fuel savings to be had.

Some businesses, like bulk haulage companies, will want to replace the weight saved with more payload, so one could argue that the above equation isn’t valid, but read on and see what is possible for businesses where payload is a consideration.

If payload isn’t a factor in your business ie you don’t get paid by the load, more load means a decrease in the number of necessary hauls over time, which reduces the amount of fuel consumption as well.

2. Payload Gains

For bulk haulage fleets, the extra payload capacity drives wheel choices.

The newest Ultra ONE^® Wheel, at just 18kg, can lighten a rig by over 100kg* against the average aluminium wheel of the same size, which can weigh 23kg.

Compared with a steel wheel of the same size, the weigh difference is upwards of 600kg.

Work out your savings with our payload calculator.

“Weight reduction is an ever-present goal for commercial wheel manufacturers,” says Ross Simmons, Managing Director of Howmet Wheel Systems – distributor for Alcoa Wheels in Australia. “We continue to find new opportunities for weight reduction without sacrificing performance and durability as we innovate with manufacturing processes and metal technology.”

The patented MagnaForce^® Alloy used for all new releases of Alcoa Wheels is 17% stronger than the industry standard alloy used to manufacture aluminium wheels, which has allowed Alcoa Wheels to reduce the weight of the wheel while still maintaining the load rate strength.

3. Low to No Maintenance

If we’re still talking ‘cheaper wheels’ being steel, it’s worth noting that although they cost less to purchase up front, steel wheels are high-maintenance ie labour intense – and labour = $$$.

Steel requires a lot of refurbishing such as removing rust, re-painting, and touch-up work, leading to higher lifetime costs.

Maintenance is one of the measurable costs that help transport business owners justify the financial sense aluminium wheels make because refurbishing, curbing damage, tyre and brake life are all part of the choice of wheels at the time of manufacture of the equipment, or replacement of wheels.

By their very nature, wheels in the heavy-duty world, spend their entire lives in harsh environments. They are constantly bombarded with potential corrosion and dirt build up.

Alcoa Dura-Bright^® Wheels, on the other hand, are cleaned with just soap and water.

Dura-Bright^® Wheels are a premium surface treatment – not a coating – that actually penetrates the metal to form one composite.

This composite creates a lower surface energy, so less dirt and road grime sticks to the wheel.

It also enables the wheel to keep its shine, and so the wheel stays looking newer for longer without the need to polish, even after hundreds of washes and thousands of kilometres.
The ROI here is easily calculated: labour and time saved cleaning, less wheel offs due to Dura-Bright^® wheels being 10 x more resistant to corrosion, and more time on the road hauling loads.

Dura-Bright^® Wheels have been known to reduce wheel cleaning time from 25 minutes down to just 2 minutes.

Combining the advantages of lightweight Alcoa Wheels with the easy to clean benefits of the Dura-Bright® finish helps to lower lifetime operating costs and provide value to fleet owners.

4. Extended Tyre and Brake Life

Improved heat dissipation can lead to longer tyre and brake life, so whether trucks and equipment are exposed to high temperatures due to harsh weather conditions, or they are start and stopping in high density city areas, the advantage of aluminium wheels is that they give up heat faster and dissipate heat away from the tyres and brakes – thus helping to improve tyre and brake life.

If the truck and trailer were on steel wheels, the heat would continue to rise even after parking the trucks. Alcoa Wheels help to quickly cool down the system and help to prevent heat damage to the tyres and brakes.

Because Alcoa Wheels are made from a one-piece aluminium machined on a CNC lathe, they are better balanced, which makes for improved ride quality and improve tyre life.

The cost of replacing tyres due to overheating can be lessened or even avoided, with that money staying in the business instead of being put into ongoing maintenance costs.

5. Driver / Operator Retention

Because Alcoa Wheels are 100 percent CNC machined, run-out and vibrations are eliminated leading to a smoother, safer ride for the operator.

This can potentially be measured as ROI in longer driver retention.

Employee satisfaction is directly proportional to how long a person remains in a role, and it has been recorded in a 2016 survey of 6200 truck drivers at two large fleets that those who believed their safety was prioritised by their employer felt more valued and were more likely to stay in their jobs.

6. Resale and End-of-Life

The durability and long life of Alcoa Wheels add value to commercial trucks and trailers, even when it is time to sell them. Research shows that trucks equipped with aluminium wheels have a higher trade-in value.

Wheel manufacturers report that the resale value of aluminium wheels is typically more than 50% of the original investment as much as 10 years earlier.

Even at the end of their very long life, Alcoa Wheels have value because they are recyclable. They will never be taken to a landfill.

Upfront Costs Remain Upfront

Price remains an issue for many businesses, which is why the Instant Asset Write-Off has been a godsend to many owner-operators, fleet owners and OEMs who have wanted to upgrade to aluminium wheels.

“We find that working out an ROI based on productivity gains helps in the decision to spec Alcoa Wheels,” says Michael Nichols, National Sales Manager for Howmet Wheels Systems Australia. “For example, we can quantify things like the reduction in maintenance costs, increased resale value due to the longevity of our wheels, and even driver retention.”

He adds: “The aluminium wheel choice is a long game, so to be able to take advantage of the government’s extension of the Instant Asset Write-Off now is making a lot of sense to business owners out there who can get behind the financial sense Alcoa Wheels makes over the lifetime of their equipment.”

The Preferred Choice of Leaders in the Industry

In the mining and heavy haulage sectors in particular, where every piece of the vehicle uses as much aluminium as possible because the payback is so great, Alcoa® Wheels are the preferred choice for leading OEMs in Australia.

How Does The Instant Asset Write-Off Work If I Want To Buy A New Trailer?

In a nutshell, if you buy your new trailer between now and 30th June essentially you will get an immediate tax deduction.

• Threshold amount is $150,000 (up from $30,000)
• Eligibility has been expanded to businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million).

Businesses can claim an immediate deduction (business portion only) for multiple assets, new or second-hand, provided each asset costs less than $150,000.

Our best suggestion is to get onto your tax accountant STAT so that he or she can give you professional advice on what your options are.

You can also visit the ATO website to read up on what you can and cannot do.

Make Sure It’s An Alcoa^® Wheel

Did you know that you can specify Alcoa® Wheels when buying a truck or trailer?

Ask for Alcoa^® Wheels to be included in the quote. 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.

*A standard truck and trailer with 22 wheels.