OTR — Tyres Wheel Axles has released a new 45-inch heavy duty loader wheel, designed to satisfy a specific need in the market for an efficient, robust and long-lasting wheel that is subjected to punishing conditions every day.
By sourcing the latest technology and the most durable materials available, OTR manufactures wheels for industrial applications such as ports and intermodal terminals, mobile crane wheels, bulk haulage wheels and custom designed construction wheels.
The best example of OTR’s market position for its strength and size in its product offerings. OTR stocks a comprehensive range of wheels and tyres for construction and mining equipment for major brands such as Komatsu, Volvo, Bell, Caterpillar and Hitachi.
In addition to manufacturing products, it also carried out testing and repairs, which includes wheel/rim assessment, MPI testing, repainting, recertification or full wheel repair to AS4457.1 standard.
The range is wide and impressive, as OTR product manager and business development manager Greg Lowe points out.
“Off-road applications across Australia, including mining, construction, industrial, agricultural, and even military vehicles are where OTR products can be found,” he said.
“We have thousands of different wheel options available for the construction market, and with a tyre to suit every option. While having a large inventory of regular shelf stock is a key requirement, if OTR does not stock an item, it has the facilities to manufacture it.”
Greg said one of OTR’s major advantages is that there were two dedicated Australian manufacturing facilities, which enables the company to produce custom wheel designs.
“Our customers, which include many OEMs and end-users, appreciate a supplier of wheel and tyre solutions that will achieve an improvement in cost per hour and per kilometre,” he said.
“In a highly competitive industry such as earthmoving many new equipment brands enter the Australian and international markets. Catering for this highly dynamic marketplace is no problem for us as we can cater for any need. If a product does not exist in a range, we have the ability to design and manufacture it.”
OTR has nationwide coverage with branches throughout the country staffed by experienced technicians and personnel who fully understand clients’ needs.
“We have service centres in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria,” Greg said.
“Having a comprehensive national representation at all levels, we are well equipped to address any issues that customers might experience with wheels and tyres. This results in us continually working with customers to improve wheel and tyre designs.”
Wheel design for specific applications
Greg said the wheel is the most critical part of a tyred vehicle, where every aspect of design and development is unique for each application.
“Through research and development, OTR is constantly exploring new ways to improve the performance and efficiency of its products,” Greg said.
“Our highly experienced sales team and technicians are always readily accessible when help is needed for any wheel and tyre needs. From a new wheel, through to re-certification of wheels, all our team is available to guide these important decisions and processes.”
With its Australia-wide coverage, OTR delivers quality products and service with fast turnaround times. All wheels and rims are subjected to a comprehensive and detailed inspection and testing process. These testing and repairing processes are performed to the AS4457.1 standard.
“Our in-house wheel inspection, repair and re-certification services are carried out by our fully trained staff to ensure all work and procedures on wheels meet the relevant standards,” Greg said.
All new 45-inch HD loader wheel
OTR ‘s new 45-inch heavy duty loader wheel meets the needs of heavy quarry and mining applications and other extractive industries.
This wheel design has been specifically developed for the Cat 992 and the Komatsu WA 800/900 loaders. These wheels are manufactured to OTR’s XHD design and specification.
“Field reports informed us that users of these machines were concerned about longevity of service life and the wheels were not up to the durability required by the application,” Greg said.
“In response, OTR designed a heavy duty wheel specifically for this demanding application where customers clearly wanted added durability and extended service life.
“We understand the market and the challenges this brings to wheel performance, therefore the entire design of the 45-inch HD wheel is integrated and reflects a specific purpose and the new approach to make the wheel more cost effective throughout the life of the product.
“Development of this product is typical of our pathway when a new product need arises. It is based on a proven design developed in Australia. OTR’s innovative designs come out of real life testing in some of the toughest environments in the world. These field experiences provide the feedback and input we need to prove that the wheel performs as stated.
“Field tests are conducted in conjunction with our customers, as it is in their interest to be part of the process. In this instance it has shown the end-user that they are getting a lot more performance and the wheel represents excellent value in terms of the price/performance formula.
“Design optimisation of loader wheels involves a detailed analysis of many factors such as the loads being carried, the distance that load needs to be carried and the effect on the wheels under circumstances such as tight turning circles and the operational surface.
“It has taken three years of field development which involved building a prototype wheel using components from other designs as well as new components. Some of these components have been adapted from larger mining wheels, so we knew they could handle heavy loads.”
The loader wheel is manufactured to exceed the Australian Standard AS1554.5. Additionally, welding on the production wheel is 100 percent ultrasonically tested to ensure high integrity of the manufacturing process to ensure customers have worry-free wheel performance under the most demanding conditions.
“This heavy duty loader wheel is made in an ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility and incorporates a number of important material and engineering features,” Greg said.
“A single forged piece fully machined gutter section ensures one hundred percent concentricity. This makes this section of the wheel more durable, as there is no welding involved.
“Adding to the benefits of this designed from the ground up heavy duty product, is use of the same heavy duty mounting disc as in the 51” heavy duty wheel.
“All these advanced heavy duty components, materials and high level engineering add up to solid construction for a high level of durability for these wheel loaders.”
OTR highlights the use of an EU lock ring profile for extended longevity, which means it is tested at 15,000 hours for a five year/30,000 hours manufacturer’s warranty.
“This wheel has been specifically designed to do the best job on this type of machinery by using the latest best practice processes, quality assurance and manufacturing with the highest performance materials,” Greg said.
For further information on the OTR 45-inch heavy duty wheel, visit otraustralia.com or phone 1300 CALL OTR.