In the off-highway machinery industry, the relationship between wheels and tires is often overlooked, despite playing a crucial role in machine performance and safety. Trelleborg Tires offers integrated wheel-tire solutions for optimum performance in the field.
While tires usually tend to capture most of the attention, wheels are just as important, serving as the foundation for optimal functionality. An integrated wheel-tire system isn’t just about compatibility, it’s about creating a complete solution that enhances performance, reduces risks, and boosts overall efficiency.
“When components are mismatched, the consequences can be severe with uneven wear, reduced equipment life and safety issues,” explains Pasquale Fabbricatore, Product Manager Trelleborg Wheels. “That’s why integrated solutions have become increasingly important. By offering complete systems, we not only improve performance but also ensure cost efficiency and safety.”
As a manufacturer of both tires and wheels, Trelleborg Tires has long been specializing in integrated wheel-tire systems. This position allows optimal compatibility and performance to serve OEMs and professionals.
Advanced rim profiles
Trelleborg’s TW wheel rim technology is specifically engineered for large agricultural tires. It ensures easy and fast tire fitting, accelerates the inflation of low-pressure tires, and improves overall efficiency.
“The design represents a significant leap forward in rim technology,” explains Fabbricatore. “By optimizing the contour and strategically using thinner materials, we’ve enhanced both performance and wheel life. This is crucial under extreme conditions, where the rim faces significant stress. Moreover, the increased structural resistance actually reduces overall wheel weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced carbon emissions for agricultural equipment.”
Knurling for maximum grip
With the rising power of modern agricultural machinery, preventing tire-rim slippage has become a critical issue. Trelleborg’s THK (Trelleborg High Knurling) technology addresses this challenge by enhancing the grip between the tire and rim.
“THK technology was specifically developed to prevent slippage, which is common under high-torque conditions,” Fabbricatore explains. “We’ve improved the knurling profile to nearly double its height compared to traditional designs. This provides superior grip, particularly in high-speed and high-torque applications. In addition, we apply a non-slip coating to the rim bead seat to ensure a secure tire-to-rim connection, even under extreme conditions.”.
“Our integrated wheel-tire solutions like TW and THK represent a fundamental shift in the way machinery can operate more effectively, while reducing environmental impact.”, Fabbricatore concludes.
