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I don't know how "oldschool" it is to put a truck tire and wheel on a computerbalancer and then attach weights to the flange or rimsurface to balance the assembly, but I did it many times30-plus years ago on an old balancer, so it isn't exactlynew technology. Since then, wheel weightshave changed with steel and zinc alternatives for thosewho conduct business in states where it is illegal toinstall lead wheel weights. EQUIPMENT BRAKES, TIRES & WHEELS Due to GHG emissions standards, steel wheels maynot be an option on new trucks GLO:fow/01sep21:01n1.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): . gl When you talk about wheel weights in the tire business,most people assume that the discussion was centered ontraditional balance methods. [Extracted from the article]

How marijuana and other issues will impact trucking going forward Canada legalized it, and while there is seemingly greater public support for marijuana reform in the U.S., the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is activating its much-needed Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a rule in which our industry has been anxiously awaiting since it was finalized at the end of 2016. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a trending ingredient in the natural products industry and is the focus of a new area of cannabis research. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses need for fleets to focus on tire and wheel costs. Topics discussed include maintaining the proper air pressure at all times; rolling the dice with the impact wrench; fleets saving money in tire costs through retread programs; and need for fleets to remember that improperly matched duals cause irregular wear in both tires and in extreme circumstances overloading of the larger tire.

The article reports that St. Paul, Minnesota-based Deflecktor has launched a lock wheel cover feature and trailer mounting system for its Hardspot aerodynamic wheel covers during the American Trucking Associations annual meeting.

NUTS & BOLTS The Jost JSK37USB fifth wheel has beenmade standard for Kenworth's t680on-highway truck. "the JostJSK37USB fifth wheel provides safety,durability, ease of maintenance, lowcost of ownership, and weight savingsthat benefit our customers". [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need to properly maintain steel wheels on trucks in relation to roadside inspections. Topics include rust and corrosion as a sign of poor maintenance, the process of refinishing steel wheels in relation to removing coatings, and the need for the wheel rim stamp to remain visible after the wheel refinishing process.

The article offers information on Alcoa's M-Series medium-duty forged aluminum wheels for trucks.

The article offers information on Alcoa Wheel Products' additional sizes for its Ultra One family of lightweight aluminum truck wheels.

The article offers news briefs related to the trucking industry in the U.S. Daimler Trucks North America has announced the availability of the Holland FW aluminum fifth wheel, which improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. Continental Tire North America has added the HDL2 DL, long haul drive tire to its lineup. GITI Tire USA has issued the GT876 radial intended for heavy front axles.

The article discusses the approaches to weight reduction in fifth wheels of trucks. Greg Laarman of Jost International Corp. cites approaches such as using material more efficiently, having one component serving more than one function in the design and using less material. Mike Ginocchio of SAF-Holland asserts that aluminum top plate fifth wheel has been employed at the company, which is geared to lessen weight.

The article reports that the U.S. trucking industry is focusing towards lightweighting to lower total vehicle weight to meet approaching emissions and fuel-efficiency requirements for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. It further discussed the features of Dura-Bright Evo wheel and Maxion wheels.

The article presents information related to wheel installation in the trucking industry. It is noted that for the improvement of the level of precision when installing wheels, the trucking industry has made great developments with the evolution of torque control. It is mentioned that it is crucial to snug and torque the fasteners in a star pattern to ensure that the wheels are properly seated on the hub or drum.

The article offers brief information on the MagnaForce alloy for truck wheels by aluminum production company Alcoa.

The article offers brief information on the FWAL aluminum standard-duty fifth wheel for Class 8 trucks from SAF-Holland.

The article evaluates the M-Series Line of Wheels from Alcoa Inc. that have been designed for medium-duty trucks in Classes 3-6.

The article offers information on several enhancements made by Kenworth Truck Co. to its trucks including introduction of dual fuel tanks on its liquefied natural gas (LNG) T800 trucks and a tire and wheel package for its K270 and K370 cabover trucks.

The article focuses on the problem of Hoovestol Inc. regarding wheel alignment. Ken Bartos, maintenance director of the company, points out that the alignment of the wheels contribute to the costs of tire. He emphasizes that poor alignment can reduce the total mileage and can harm the casing. To address the problem, the company has implemented several strategies such as acquiring a full-on wheel alignment machine, aligning the wheels before using the trucks and investing in high-mileage tires.

The article reports on the changes made by wheel manufacturers in the materials and manufacturing of wheels to ensure that their products deliver greater value to truck operators and fleet owners in the U.S. It notes that Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products boasts new materials, new design and new manufacturing process for its aluminum wheel. Accuride Corp. increases the availability of the finishing process for its wheels and the standard for its wheel pricing.

The author discusses several factors to be considered in selecting the best wheels for the truck. He cites that aluminum wheels require regular maintenance and experience rim flange wear that resembles cupping on the outer edge of the rim. The author notes that appearance has been the top concern for steel wheels since the start of trucking. He asserts that the wheel's lifecycle must be determined so that fleets can prepare for its replacement.

The article discusses new innovations related to truck wheels. Alcoa Wheel Products stated that it has introduced several new and enhanced products that can help motor carriers offset the additional costs of being compliant with new U.S. federal regulations, while also dealing with the high price of diesel. Alcoa director of marketing Victor H. Marquez said that fleets have considered using aluminum wheels. Accuride Corp. introduced a lightweight steel wheel that weights just 66 pounds.

The author provides basic information about the issue of balancing truck tire and wheel assemblies in truck fleets. A properly mounted, seated and inflated assembly is a must. Pressure must be set to carry the load, since inflation will have an impact on balance. There are definite benefits to a balanced truck tire and wheel assembly such as less wear and tear on the driver and improved tread mileage, but tires are a major operating expense for fleet owners. Since there is no guaranteed return on investment, any balancing program must be approached with a constant view of its economics.

Presents facts about the lug nut torque that is important for wheel retention of trucks. Definition of torque; Relationship between torque and bolt tension; Benefits of the correct amount of torque with the proper conditions.

Discusses key points from "Retorquing Guidelines for Disc Wheels," a Recommended Practice (RP) publication from the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC). Settling in period during which some clamping load is lost; Retorquing after run-in period as recommended by all disc wheel suppliers to the North American market; Physical condition of wheel-attaching hardware.

Focuses on the development of hub motor technology to increase the power and performance of light truck in the U.S. Improvement of wheel-drive systems; Significance of engines to create rotating power or torque; Benefit of wheel hub motors.

Reports on the advances in the development of wheels for trucks. Aluminum wheels developed by Accuride Corp.; Lighter steel wheels developed by Accuride; Technology developed by Alcoa Wheel Products to reduce the maintenance time for aluminum wheels.

Introduces the ductile iron hubs for trucks from Gunite. Features of the hubs.

Provides information on various improvements on the components and maintenance requirements of fifth wheels for trucks. Electronic features added on fifth wheels by Holland USA; Description of cast steel fifth wheel manufactured by Fontaine; Information on the wheel design created by Jost International.

Presents information on several unitized wheel end system for trucks and trailers. Hendrickson Unitized System wheel end from Hendrickson International Trailer Suspension Systems company; PreSet wheel ends from Consolidated Metco company; TRIAD wheel end system from ArvinMeritor company.

Presents some suggestions about the maintenance of wheels in trucks. Information on the `User's Guide to Wheels and Rims,' published by the Technology and Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Association; Developments in the inspection of wheels; Basic elements of a good program for steel wheels.

Provides information on aluminum truck wheels. Information on the production of aluminum wheels by Accuride; Details on the weight-savings and low-maintenance advantage of aluminum wheels; Comparative study between aluminum and steel wheels.

Provides information on the development of premium wheel seals to reduce truck wheel maintenance requirements. Scotseal Plus from Chicago Rawhide; Discover seal from Stemco Inc.; Outrunner from Freudenberg-NOK; National Gold oil bath seal from Federal-Mogul Corp.

Presents the results of an aftermarket monitor survey on the wheel bearings of the hydraulic brakes of trucks, conducted by the periodical `Fleet Owner.' Statistics on the source of wheel bearing purchases; Reported shift toward using heavy-duty distributors; Variation in the choice of a source for wheel bearings.

Introduces Accuride Corp.'s Aluminator line of premium cast aluminum truck wheels. Dimensions; Features and capabilities.

Features available steel and aluminum disc wheels for trucks. Advantages offered by both types; Aftermarket distributors of disc wheels; Wheel products available in both steel and aluminum; Key specifications of various product lines.