Page 30 - CTB N8 - 2014-04

WHEELS
Speedline Extends Design Programme with New Innovations
Speedline Truck launched a number of new forged wheels during the IAA show, including a new 22,5 x 9.00 wheel for tractors and coaches, a new trailer wheel and several innovations for the medium truck sector, where the company says it has begun to focus more intensely.
With its new wheels for medium duty trucks in the 17,5 x 6,75” format, SLT 2901 with 6 holes and SLT 2911 with 8 holes, Speedline Truck is aiming primarily at users of the MB Atego, MAN TGL and Iveco Eurocargo. Both wheels only weigh 14.6 kg, with a reduction of around 8kg per wheel compared to similar steel wheels. This means that a truck operating in the distribution sector can reduce its overall weight by 50 kg, thus positively affecting fuel consumption. With a payload of 2,500 kg, the two wheels are compatible with all sizes of tyre for the stated payload.
Meanwhile, with its new SLT 2907 wheel for tractors and coaches in 22,5 x 9.00” format, Speedline is offering customers keen on aesthetics a new attractive and elegant solution
for tractors and coaches.
The weight of only 23.7 kg leads to a reduction of 0.5 kg per wheel compared to previous models and, in the case of similar steel wheels, even of 18- 20 kg per wheel, depending on the manufacturer. Therefore tractors with two axles can gain up to 120kg in capacity and in the case of a for-axle frame, up to 240 kg.
The new 2907 SLT wheel offers a particularly high payload of 4,250 kg, which is currently the highest value in its class and in line with the latest requirements in original equipment and tyre development.
With the 3187 SLT wheel in 22,5 x 13” format, Speedline Truck offers yet another new feature, this time for trailers. Thanks to the considerable payload of 5,800 kg, this product is on the market with an important edge because it enables expanded use by mounting 445/65 R 22.5 tyres. All of the aforementioned features are ABE homologated and are partially approved for the OE market. All the new wheels are offered with high quality diamond surface and are available in polished version.
Alcoa Launch Ultra ONE Wheel
Alcoa, the leading manufacturer of forged aluminum wheels, has announced that it is to introduce its lightest heavy-duty truck wheel in Europe to help fleets increase payload and fuel efficiency, and is now in the process of selecting fleet partners for the European launch. According to Alcoa, the Ultra ONE wheel with MagnaForce alloy will be available in Europe during the second half of 2015.
“Alcoa’s Ultra ONE wheel offers heavy-duty performance without the heavy weight of steel wheels, and it looks great, too,” said Tim
save on costs.”
Alcoa says it has seen significant adoption of the Ultra ONE wheel in other major markets, including the United States, where some of the largest fleets have upgraded to the Ultra ONE since the March 2014 launch. The wheel has been approved by all major US truck and trailer manufacturers, and is in most manufacturer data books making it available for order by fleets.
“Weight-sensitive fleets such as petroleum and bulk haulers have been especially quick to embrace the Ultra ONE technology in other markets, and we expect the same in Europe,” said Myers. Alcoa’s wheels are made from one piece of forged aluminum, making them lighter and five times stronger than steel wheels, increasing payload and fuel efficiency. In addition, Alcoa’s Ultra ONE wheels in Europe will
come with Alcoa’s Dura-Bright® EVO surface treatment, which allows brilliant shine to last even after years of use, without the need for polishing. Regular cleaning with commonly used truck cleaning products or with just soap and water will keep the wheels shiny, even after hundreds of washes and thousands of kilometres, reducing maintenance costs.
The Ultra ONE Wheel is made with the strongest wheel alloy on the market, Alcoa’s MagnaForce alloy, which is on average 17 percent stronger than the
industry standard, Alcoa’s 6061 alloy, in similar applications. Alcoa will manufacture the European Ultra ONE wheel at an Alcoa facility in Europe.
Myers, President, Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products. “Alcoa is bringing our best wheel technology to the growing European market to help fleets shed kilograms, haul more and
30 Commercial Tyre Business