Accuride introduced Monday its Accu-Flange aluminum wheels, featuring a specially-treated rim designed to reduce the rim flange wear seen in heavy-haul, shifting-load and frequent stop-start applications.
Accu-Flange is the second wheel released by the company this spring. In March, Accuride debuted introduced two new 22.5-in. x 14-in. Accu-Lite Duplex aluminum wheels.
According to Accuride, shifting cargo weight creates friction between the tire wall and the wheel flange. Abrasion gradually erodes the flange surface, forming sharp edges that can damage the tires and make replacement a necessity. Accu-Flange wheels feature a special protective treatment applied to the surfaces of the wheel flange most prone to wear. Accuride says the treatment bonds to the aluminum substrate, forming a tough barrier that reduces abrasion between the tire wall and wheel rim.
As a result, Accu-Flange extends wheel service life for fleets that carry heavy loads and loads that are prone to shifting, such as lumber, metals, gravel, liquids and even passengers, the company says. It also is ideal for fleets that make frequent stops and starts – such as transit or refuse applications – and for use in gritty operating environments that accelerate flange wear.
Rick Dauch, Accuride president and CEO, adds the Accu-Flange wheels feature a tough protective coating that reduces flange wear and extends service life for miles and miles.
“Following on the heels of our advanced Steel Armor coating for steel wheels, Accu-Flange is the latest in a series of new products from Accuride that deliver improved durability, performance and value for our customers,” he says. “By lowering wheel and tire replacement costs, Accu-Flange helps fleets and owner-operators maximize their maintenance budgets.”
Accuride says it is making Accu-Flange available for many of its popular aluminum wheels. These range from its 19.5 x 7.5 in. 40160 to the 24.5 x 8.25-in. 40550 models, which have maximum loads per wheel of 6,700 lbs. and 12,800 lbs., respectively. Customers can order Accu-Flange wheels in Accuride’s SP (standard polish), XP (extra polish) and Accu-Armor finishes. The Accu-Flange treatment is warranted for two years from the date of manufacture, the company says.
