Image

Alcoa LvL ONE wheels reduce costs, enhance appearance

May 1, 2009
New forged wheel technology was launched by Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products at the 2009 Mid-America Trucking Show. This new wheel becomes the
View all Mid-America Trucking Show photos

New forged wheel technology was launched by Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products at the 2009 Mid-America Trucking Show. This new wheel becomes the base for Alcoa's aluminum wheel products.

Named LvL ONE, the new aluminum truck wheels are manufactured using a proprietary process that results in a light forged aluminum wheel with greater strength and a superior finish on both sides that is six times brighter than any wheel in its class.

Alcoa's new line of truck wheels for fleets, owner/operators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduce individual truck weight from 600 to 1300 pounds versus steel options and up to 50 pounds compared with current aluminum wheel options. These wheels can directly reduce operating costs through lower fuel costs and increased payload, according to Alcoa.

“Our strategy in this downturn is to invest in technologies and innovations that benefit our customers,” said Tim Myers, vice-president and general manager, Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels. “Built on the foundation of our 60-years of innovation heritage in this market, our new LvL ONE wheels truly are a breakthrough.

“Two pounds less wheel weight may not seem like much, but it is 36 pounds less on an 18-wheel rig running on aluminum and 650 pounds less than standard steel wheels. These pounds add up to millions for a fleet and translate into more payload, fuel savings, less stress on engines and drivetrains, and even lower emissions.”

Matthew Brest, Alcoa product and process technology manager, adds that the wheel has a 7,400-lb load rating but weighs only 45.5 pounds. It is also important to note the bright, two-sided finish.

“Our process gives the LvL ONE wheel an organic, stunning finish that is at least six times brighter than competitive wheels in this class,” he said. “the two-sided finish reduces the need to order single-side inner and outer diameter wheels. This wheel fits all positions.”

As part of the introduction, Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels is introducing new proprietary cost analysis software that demonstrates how the LvL ONE forged aluminum wheel improves performance and reduces costs. The new interactive tool — the Alcoa Wheel Products CalcuLighter — allows fleets, OEMs, and owner/operators to determine exactly how much they will save through fuel savings, increased payload, tire life savings, trade-in/scrap value, warranty/maintenance costs, and potential carbon credits. The new CalcuLighter tool can be found on the new Alcoa LvL ONE website at www.alcoawheels.com.