More than a metal ring – how to match heavy-duty wheels to your tires?

When purchasing tires, the wheels may appear to be a necessary inconvenience. However, the characteristics of the heavy-duty wheel play a significant role in ensuring the complete package functions correctly. Various factors determine the suitable use for a wheel.

Tree stumps, high speeds, and heavy loads – wheels have tough requirements. While many tires may be purchased over the life of a machine, wheels are typically only purchased once and are expected to last at least as long as the machines. It is unacceptable for a wheel to fail.

 

Choose the right wheel

 

 

What to consider in order to get the best out of your heavy-duty tire and wheel package?

Traction

For instance, agricultural and forestry tires may have wheels with the same profile, but their traction requirements are very different. When dealing with lighter loads, the contact surface between the tire and the wheel does not need to be knurled. If less friction is required, the bead area can be completely smooth. Knurling is also not necessary when a tire is located on a non-driving axle (such as on trailers).

To prevent tire slippage, knurling is added to the wheel when loads and torques are high.  This also allows for the use of varying pressures without compromising grip. Remember, pressure affects traction, so where there is less pressure, more grip is required from the knurling.

 

Wheel profile

Profile design matters. The shape of the wheel is defined by different standards within a certain scale. Profile design affects the ease of installing the tire on the wheel and ensures it functions correctly without any issues. Using the correct wheel makes installation easier and ensures that the tire lasts and works properly.

 

Durability of heavy-duty wheels

Wheels often need to withstand heavy loads and external impacts. Therefore, the rim must be very sturdy in many situations. When the complete wheel package must perform in the most unforgiving environments, advanced reinforcements can be added to the wheel. Our Tube-Edge reinforcement, for example, is a tubular rim reinforcement that seamlessly integrates with the wheel, adding rigidity and longevity.

 

 

How to match heavy-duty wheels to your work?

Wheel size varies depending on their intended use. They can range from the size of those found in passenger cars to as large as 54 inches.

Requirements also differ across various areas:

• In agriculture, the wheels do not carry heavy loads, so they do not need additional reinforcement as they do in forestry. However, sufficient durability and rigidity are required, and the wheel should be uniform and as round as possible to prevent the tractor from bouncing during high-speed road transits.
  
  
• In forestry, the speeds are lower, but supreme grip and durability are required. Knurling is essential to reduce the risk of the tire slippage on the wheel, which can make it impossible to move forward and often causes punctures. Reinforcements are required for bumps and heavy loads.
  
  
• In earthmoving, both stability and durability are crucial. Wheeled excavators must be able to withstand rocky construction sites and heavy loads, as well as high-speed road transits between sites. Yet, durability and load-bearing capacity are top priorities.

 

 

In conclusion

The way I see it, heavy-duty wheels and tires should not be considered separately but rather as a combination of perfectly matched properties. No one is satisfied if the wheel does not function properly, and premium tires fall apart.

Ideally, wheels are designed for tires, and tires are designed for wheels. The proper support brings out the best in both your tires and your machinery.

 

 

Writer

 

Matias Salonen

Product Manager

 

 

Questions about heavy-duty wheels?

Contact us or read more at www.nokiantyres.com/heavy/wheels/

Find your nearest dealer:  www.nokiantyres.com/heavy/where-to-buy/