6 Reasons Why Heavy Duty Wheels Matter

Heavy-duty wheels are a necessity for most vehicles. Their wheels can support thousands of pounds, which means they must be strong and durable. While some vehicles can get by with lightweight wheels, these are more likely to be damaged or quickly spun up. Plus, they can lower fuel efficiency.

Safety
When considering the safety of your heavy-duty wheels, you must consider the temperature of the environment in which they will be used. Heavy-duty wheels can lose their load capacity in hotter or colder temperatures. Furthermore, they must be hard enough to withstand an impact at 80deg+3 shore A or higher surface temperature. For these reasons, you must choose a wheel designed for the conditions it will be used.

The safe working load is the maximum mass a wheel can carry without breaking. Manufacturers establish this load rating. However, wheels loaded beyond this limit can fail, resulting in injury to workers or damage to equipment. To assess the safety of your heavy-duty wheels, make sure to review the specifications of each model you're considering. For instance, a poorly designed wheel assembly may result in unnecessary delays and costly repairs. In addition, a poorly-constructed wheel
assembly can lead to a flat tread, which can cause a slick floor.

Durability
Heavy-duty wheels are made with a thick, solid-core surrounding a 5mm rubberband. This combination provides exceptional traction and is ideal for use on smooth surfaces, such as asphalt, dirt, and concrete. These wheels have a standard 16mm- pattern hub and are available in high-traction and high-durability (30A Durometer) versions. For even more excellent traction and durability, choose the High-Durability option.

High-capacity caster wheels are abrasion-resistant and offer a long service life. These wheels can handle a wide range of temperatures and corrosive environments and are available in high-temperature and chemical-resistant varieties. Pneumatic wheels are durable and easy to roll, with high-capacity wheels having an extended service life on concrete. These wheels also offer cushioning for comfort and are highly resistant to chemicals.

Cost

If you need to transport a large load at high speed, you need to invest in heavy-duty wheels. These wheels come with solid rubber or polyurethane tires and are built for continuous duty applications. These wheels have more oversized precision bearings and are usually mounted on steel, iron, or plastic centers. They are also suitable for industrial equipment, such as forklifts. The cost of heavy-duty wheels varies according to the type of tire used.

Impact of rough pavement
The wear of heavy-duty wheels is impacted by rough pavement. Pavement durability is a vital consideration because roads over many miles will have patches of less dense material. Eventually, this will affect the smoothness of the road. In addition, trucks that bounce over these patches will inflict more damage, leading to a vicious cycle of rapid deterioration. Therefore, rutted roads require special maintenance, including removing rutted areas as quickly as possible. 

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is concerned about the effect of heavy wheel loads on highway pavement. In addition to causing significant damage to pavement, the heavy wheel load of trucks results in increased maintenance costs. Therefore, the damage from wheel loads on rough pavements is one of the major factors responsible for increased costs in highway resurfacing. For this reason, a new study is underway to determine the most effective methods for
resurfacing pavements in Alaska.

Importance of proper wheel-end maintenance
 

Proper wheel-end maintenance is crucial for the continued lubrication of wheels and the ultimate safety of the vehicle. Proper bearing adjustment varies depending on the jam nut torque and end play. The Wheel End Task Force of the Technology and Maintenance Council recommends following specific guidelines to ensure proper bearing adjustment. Listed below are some crucial tips on wheel-end maintenance. They may help prevent costly problems.

Regular wheel-end inspections are essential to avoid costly wheel-end replacement. Checking for loose or cracked bearing cups, damaged hubs, and broken fasteners can help prevent significant problems. In addition, lubrication should be performed daily to ensure proper wheel-end performance. The lubrication schedule should meet or exceed the estimated wheel-end life. To perform a proper wheel-end inspection,
follow the manufacturer's guidelines and wear safety gear.