Off-HigHway wHeel TecHnOlOgy and engineering SOluTiOnS

Product overview
Wheels
Off-Highway Wheel Technology
and Engineering Solutions
Welcome to the World of GKN
A leading global engineering group, with over 250 year’s
heritage of quality and innovation, operating in more than
30 countries.
Technology and engineering from GKN is at the heart of the vehicles and aircraft produced by the
world’s leading automotive, off-highway, aerospace and defense manufacturers. More than 40,000
people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries.
“Every day we harness our considerable technology and
manufacturing resources to supply the highest quality systems,
structures, components and services.”
GKN Automotive
GKN Land Systems
GKN Aerospace
GKN Powder Metallurgy
Supplying driveshafts,
geared components, torque
management devices to
vehicle manufacturers in the
global car and light vehicle
markets.
GKN Land Systems
Activities are concentrated
on the production of
airframe and engine
structures, components and
assemblies for both military
and civil aerospace markets.
Producing powdered metal
and sintered components
for automotive and other
industrial customers.
Design, manufacture and
supply wheels, driveline
products, tractor attachment
systems, clutches and brakes,
controls and sensors,
couplings, gearboxes and
vehicle structures for the
construction, mining,
transportation, defense,
agricultural and industrial
machinery markets.
2
What we do
We design, manufacture, market and service powertrain products and systems for leading global equipment
manufacturers, helping our customers keep the world running efficiently, reliably and safely.
Our powertrain solutions deliver power from source to the point of application. We enable our customer’s machinery
to propel, position and perform in agricultural, construction, mining, transportation and industrial markets.
To achieve this we engineer a wide range of products, systems and solutions:
integrated powertrain
components, systems and solutions
Brakes
Couplings
We help move loads and rotate masses with
our reliable and precise linear positioned
brakes designed for modern wind turbine
generator and industrial systems.
Our extensive experience with elastomers
allows us to help you find the right material
for your flexible coupling.
Controls
Clutches
With a wide range of gear systems,
switching contacts, and housing
constructions, we offer solutions for
every application.
The clutch portfolio ranges from electric and
hydraulic-pneumatic models and all the way
to multi-disc to synchro clutches.
Gearboxes
With gearbox transmissions at the heart of
the driveline of agricultural, commercial and
other vehicles, we design, test and produce
spur, helical and bevel gears to customer
requirements.
Electrics
The new AF Series axial-flux electric motor
offers a 3-phase permanent-magnet motor
with high torque and high power density.
Wheels
Driveshafts
The universal cardan shaft is one of
the most efficient drive concepts for
machinery, such as in agricultural and
commercial vehicles.
Leading manufacturer of off-highway wheels
offering standard and innovative custom
solutions across all off-highway markets,
drawing on over 100 years experience and
extensive technical expertise.
Construction, mining and utility
GKN Land Systems is an expert in designing and manufacturing drivetrain solutions for these demanding
industries. The construction and mining industries encompass a diverse range of activities and a huge
variety of machinery, projects, machinery demands and operating conditions.
This is backed by our global aftermarket network supplying genuine replacement parts, remanufacturing
and repair services to the end-user.
3
Wheels
GKN Wheels – the supplier of choice
GKN Wheels history dates back to 1910, when the first steel wheel
was manufactured in Joseph Sankey’s factory in Telford, England.
The steel wheel was strong, mass produced, economical and represented a leap
forward for industry at the time. It may have been a simple spoked design but it bore
the hallmarks of a company growing through innovative products and delivering
solutions to the marketplace in a cost effective way.
Today, with extensive experience in off-highway markets, GKN Wheels has built a
market leading organisation that develops innovative solutions for tomorrow’s
challenges. Driven by a constant desire to provide engineering excellence, they
design technologically advanced products that allow customers to be both efficient
and environmentally sustainable.
GKN Wheels has extensive product design and development capabilities to meet
changing client and market needs in the most challenging environments. Investment in
research and development, and commitment to engineering and design excellence lies
at the heart of GKN’s business strategy and it has a renowned reputation. The products
GKN produce showcase outstanding durability, ease of use and low operating costs.
They are working on industry leading innovations that will meet the demand for
bigger payloads, increased speed and ever more stringent technical specifications.
They offer their customers and markets support from 7 locations globally, with
manufacturing bases in China, Denmark, Italy, the UK and the USA as well as two
major, world-class test centres in Carpenedolo, Italy and Woodridge, Illinois, USA.
GKN Wheels truly supports its customers and markets with a global reach and local
presence.
1908
1920
1970
1973
1989
1998
The first pressed and
welded detachable
wheel was designed
and manufactured at
the Hadley Site, Telford,
UK and subsequently
patented the
development.
Joseph Sankey became
part of the GKN Group.
Over 3 million wheels a
year were being produced
by GKN Sankey.
Karl Moller Nagbol
of Denmark became a
wholly owned subsidiary
of GKN Sankey.
GKN Sankey and Nagbol
Denmark were combined
to form GKN Wheels.
GKN Wheels acquired
manufacturing plants in
Northern Iowa, USA (now
GKN Wheels Armstrong).
4
“Continuous investment in research, development and
testing lie at the heart of our reputation.”
KEY
Ag Wheels
Earthmover/Construction
On Highway Wheels
Telford, UK
Fork Lift Truck
USA NATC,
Chicago, IL,
USA
Distribution/Tyre Fitting
Nagbol,
Denmark
Structures
EUTC,
Carpenedolo,
Italy
Lianyungang, China
Liuzhou, China
Armstrong, IA,
USA
Carpenedolo,
Italy
2000
2006
2009
2010
2013
2014
GKN Wheels acquired
Carpenedolo in Brescia,
Italy (now GKN Wheels
Carpenedolo).
GKN Wheels purchased
Liuzhou Steel Rim
Factory (now GKN Wheels
Liuzhou) in Gaungxi
Province, China.
Consolidation of GKN
Hubs and Spindles into
the GKN Wheels business
based at GKN Wheels
Armstrong.
GKN Wheels forms part of
GKN Land Systems.
GKN Wheels enter Joint
Venture with Lianyungang
Huading Wheel Co Ltd in
Donghai, Jiangsu Province
China to manufacture
agricultural wheels.
GKN Wheels in Liuzhou
completely refurbish
their office block and
open a new state-of-theart facility.
5
Product Design
GKN Wheels has extensive product design and development capabilities.
It is committed to continuous product improvement and the delivery of
innovative solutions to changing customer and MARKET NEEDS... >
GKN work closely with OEMs to develop wheels that enhance performance in any
application. Each new design must meet the requirements of the customer and
application, providing strength and durability without adding unnecessary weight. This
assists in minimising fuel consumption, whilst maximising payloads.
Development is undertaken in close liaison with tyre manufacturers to ensure product
compatibility and compliance with relevant regulatory standards (ETRTO, T&RA, JATMA).
Before any product design is undertaken, a thorough and comprehensive study of
customer and machine requirements is commissioned. Initial designs can then be
based on extensive knowledge of existing products and their applications. Additional
data on wheel loads is collected using either strain gauges or wheel force transducers.
This data then drives advanced analytical models in order to develop high quality
solutions in the virtual world, before committing to the manufacture of any parts. Finite
Element Analysis and fatigue analysis, supported by a comprehensive material
database, are used to develop efficient wheel sections that will meet specified
performance and durability requirements.
Critical path scheduling combined with advanced quality systems to ensure new product
delivery is fully co-ordinated with customer build programmes.
Business excellence is delivered through lean manufacturing, visual management and
mission-directed work teams.
6
Testing
All products are validated at GKN WHEELS’ TWO world class technical centres in Carpenedolo, Italy
and Woodridge, Illinois, USA. They have made significant investments in both laboratory and field
testing equipment, with some of the most advanced purpose built, electronically controlled systems
in the industry, INCLUDING... >
> Rim durability testing
Rigorous programmes will confirm reliability and sustainability,
> Disc durability testing
whatever the load and however hostile the environment. GKN
also test wheels with and without tyres, to ensure the durability of
> FEA modelling and simulations
both rim and disc. Computers are used to measure strains caused
> Strain gauge testing and analysis
by complex load combinations so that designs can be optimised.
> Field testing and data acquisition
The dedicated facility at GKN Wheels’ European Technical Centre
> Life expectancy/fatigue analysis
in Italy is capable of testing sections of large multi-piece wheels
more quickly than ever before. It has been winning the support
of construction plant and machinery manufacturers across the
GKN’s comprehensive facilities and approach result in:
globe. Since its installation in 2009, several manufacturers
> Products with reduced weight and enhanced durability
have used the innovative facility to test new or modified multi-
> Reduced timeline from design to production
piece wheel designs.
> Reduced likelihood of early system problems
Only when completely satisfied with test results will volume
> Improved product reliability and dependability
manufacturing
> Enhanced total system performance
techniques ensure that every wheel matches the requirements of
begin.
Total
Quality
Management
(TQM)
the original specification once designs go into production.
> Cost-effective design
Integrating the feedback and experience from laboratory testing,
> Global offering
field tests, strain gauge data and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
enables us to continuously improve product designs and offer
innovative solutions to customers.
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Product Overview
Agricultural Wheels >
light CONSTRUCTION >
iNDUSTRIAL >
GKN Wheels manufactures single piece
With a leading reputation in the design,
GKN Wheels draw on the expertise of their
fixed and adjustable wheels suitable for
manufacture and supply of single, 3 and
two world class design centres to develop
tractors, combines, towed agricultural
5-piece wheels to the construction industry,
and test innovative products for fork lift
implements and trailed applications.
GKN products are suitable for backhoe
trucks, container handlers, reach stackers
Supplied globally to major agricultural
loaders, skid steer loaders, motor graders,
and harbour cranes.
OEMs and integrators, their wheel range
wheeled excavators, wheel loaders and
includes products designed for driven and
articulated dump trucks.
trailed applications as well as specialist
Standard fixed wheels have excellent strength
high stresses during their service life, with
applications such as dual tyre. GKN’s
properties giving impressive performance
often very specific design requirements,
wheels are designed and studied using
and fatigue resistance at high loads,
such as increased strength, stability and
computer simulation, with field experience
speeds and under extreme site conditions.
durability. GKN Wheels’ solutions offer high
then confirming rim capabilities.
Development over recent years has included
strength profile structures without adding
the option of using three-piece wheels in
unnecessary weight.
Wheels mounted on vehicles operating
in the industrial industry are subject to
place of five-piece wheels, meaning fewer
components and reduced wheel weight. GKN
can offer a cost effective product with durable
and reliable product performance.
pRODUCT RANGE >
pRODUCT RANGE >
pRODUCT RANGE >
> The product range for tractors and
combines encompasses diameters
from 15˝ to 54˝ and widths from
7˝ to 30˝
> GKN’s towed agricultural implement
wheels ranges in diameters from 15˝
to 42˝ and widths from 7˝ to 28˝
available in standard W, DW and TW
rim profiles
> Irrigation wheels are available in
diameters from 24˝ to 38˝ and
widths from 8˝ to 15˝
> Profi-fit, Profi-line and Profi-flex
wheels have all become industry
favourites offering increased
durability, benefits to tyre fitting and
flexibility.
> Agricultural wheels are manufactured
in the UK, Denmark, Italy, China
and the USA. Irrigation wheels are
manufactured in the USA
> The product range includes diameters
> Standard products are available
from 24˝ to 35˝ and widths from
in diameters from 8˝ to 30˝ and
8.5˝ and 36˝
widths from 4.5˝ to 25˝
> Fixed, 3 and 5-piece wheels are
> Ability to carry increasing loads
available for a variety of different
on a stable platform with reduced
applications
cycle time
>Construction wheels are manufactured
> Industrial and material handling
in China, Denmark, Italy, the UK and
wheels are produced in China,
the USA
Denmark, Italy and the USA
8
Heavy Construction
and Mining >
Forestry >
Hub Systems >
When it comes to heavy duty wheels,
Forestry machines operate in difficult
GKN are a leading supplier of Hub Systems.
GKN manufactures a range of wheels
terrain, generating high loads and stresses
They provide highly engineered systems
up to sizes in 63” diameter, including
on wheel rims. GKN’s wheels are purpose
to multiple core global customers, as
their Swift Change range which enables
designed and field tested in these tough
well as those regionally focused. The
quick and efficient tyre changes on large
conditions.
company supplies to major off-highway
equipment such as quarry haul trucks, large
mining trucks, loaders, rigid dump trucks,
articulated dump trucks and motor graders.
Forestry
wheels
are
developed
in
conjunction with leading tyre manufacturers
manufacturers and suppliers of OEM across
the Americas and Europe.
to optimise fitness for purpose. The JMJ
Their
GKN has reviewed the critical characteristics
rim, with rolled over flanges, provides
comprehensive, with application specific
of
construction
increased strength and durability while the
solutions. The product line is rigorously
applications to manufacture reliable and
TH2 rim gives improved tyre stability at low
tested
durable products to operate in these
pressures.
Engineering Centre to provide the highest
mining
and
heavy
range
at
of
Hub
GKN’s
Systems
North
is
American
extreme conditions. Wheels are designed
assurance that customers will receive
to meet customer and applications needs
components and assemblies that exceed
without adding unnecessary weight, so
expectations.
controlling product costs, reducing fuel
consumption and increasing payloads.
pRODUCT RANGE >
pRODUCT RANGE >
pRODUCT RANGE >
> Standard products are available
> The Forestry wheel product range
> Assemblies can be delivered to
in diameters up to 63˝ and
ranges from diameters
the customer in a wide range of
widths up to 52˝
22.5˝ to 26.5˝ and widths from
configurations
>High strength low alloy (HSLA) and
quality carbon structural steel is used
> Swift Change rims offer easier tyre
20” to 26”
> Forestry wheels are manufactured in
Denmark
>Complete wheel, hub and spindle
assembles available
>Hubs are available from 500lbs
changing increasing equipment
(363kg) up to 60,000lbs (27,216kg)
efficiencies and reducing machine
with 4 through 20 bolts
downtime
>Heavy construction and mining wheels
are manufactured in China, Denmark
and the USA
> Spindles are available in
1 ¼˝ through to 6˝ in diameter
Product Overview
Profi-line Wheel
Sprayer Wheel
> Designed for agricultural
trailed and other loadbearing
vehicles
> Designed for row crop
sprayers built to withstand
the ultimate stress
> Five-fold increase in fatigue
life, compared to standard
flotation wheels
> Higher load capacity with
low wobble and run out
> Material
and weight
GKN Wheels
Markets
> 40 % reduction of stress in
key areas
GKN Wheels M
reduction with additional
strength
> Manufactured in Italy &
Denmark
> Manufactured in Denmark &
the USA
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
Other
profi-flex Wheel
Profi-fit Wheel
> Manually adjustable variable
track wheel – a well
proven industry standard
with 16 offsets
> The perfect solution for low
pressure agricultural tyre
applications
Heavy construction
Light construction
> Provides reduced weight
and easier tyre fitting
> The ability to operate at
speeds of up to 50 kph
GKN Wheels
> An Markets
innovative and
> Available with a square or round
disc and a Profi-fit rim profile
GKN Wheels M
sunstainable design
solution
> Manufactured in Italy, the UK,
the USA, China & Denmark
> Manufactured in Italy, the
UK, the USA & Denmark
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
Other
Heavy construction
Large Mining Wheels
Multi-Piece Wheels
> Designed for minimal tyre
slippage and duress
> 5-piece rims allow ease of
tyre fitting for heavy duty
machinery
> Reduced likelihood of rim
failure on critical stress
areas
> SWIFT Change rims provide
reduced downtime and
increase productivity
> 3-piece rims offer reduced
weight compared to
equivalent 5-piece
GKN Wheels Markets
Agriculture
Light construction
GKN Wheels Markets
> Suitable for a number of
mining and construction
applications
> Manufactured in Denmark,
China & the USA
Heavy construction
Agriculture
> Manufactured in Denmark,
China & the USA
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
Heavy construction
Other
Container Handling Wheels
Forestry Wheel
> GKN is the global market
leader in the container
handling industry
> JMJ rim with extended flange
turnover protests tyre face
when using low pressure
tyres
> Built in features to prolong
wheel lifetime
> Extended field tests have
optimised designs over time
GKN Wheels Markets
> TH2 rim gives improved tyre
stability at low pressures
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
GKN Wheels Markets
> Manufactured in Denmark
> Manufactured in Denmark,
China & the USA
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
10
Other
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
Forklift Truck Wheels
Hub systems
> ‘Flat base’ concept in which
the tyre is fitted by pressing
on it from one side
> Capacities from 500lbs
(227kg) up to 60,000lbs
(27,216kg)
> Made to match three types
of tyre – Superelastic,
Pneumatic and traditional
Solid
> 4 bolts up to 20 bolts
available on hubs
GKN Wheels Markets
> Designed almost entirely to
customer specifications
> 1 ¼˝ to 6” spindle diameter
available
GKN Wheels
Markets
Wheels M
GKN
Wheels GKN
Markets
> Manufactured in the USA
> Manufactured in Italy
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
Other
Heavy construction
GKN’s Paint Plant Technology >
GKN Wheels are leading the industry and offer a technologically
advanced paint process. All of their wheels are finished to the
highest finish available, known as C5 High, offering improved saltspray resistance and long-term protection from corrosion across
a wide range of climatic conditions, meaning wheels from GKN
have a longer life-span and higher durability no matter what their
environment.
Typically, GKN’s wheels are pre-treated with a zinc phosphate
coating which allows for improved corrosion protection, then
given an electrocoat and finally a high performance top coat is
applied. GKN Wheels are proud to offer best in class paint finish as
standard, meaning you can rely on every single one of their wheels
to deliver long term benefits and reliability for all.
HeavyAgriculture
construction
Light
Heavy
construction
construction
Agriculture
Industrial
Agriculture
Light construction
Light
Mining
construction
Industrial
I
MinO
GKN Land Systems© 2014
PO Box 55,
Ipsley House,
Ipsley Church Lane,
Redditch,
Worcestershire B98 0TL
P: +44 (0)1527 517 715
Couplings
Clutches
Gearboxes
Driveshafts
Brakes
Controls
Electric
Wheels
GKN WHEELS TELFORD
Hadley Castle Works, Telford, Shropshire, TF1
6AA, United Kingdom
P: +44 (0) 1952 244 321
F:
+44 (0) 1952 249 551
GKN Wheels Armstrong
PO Box 48, 5453 6th Avenue, Armstrong
Iowa 50514, USA
P: +1 712 864 3202
F:
+1 712 864 7413
GKN Wheels Liuzhou
7 Liutai Road, Liuzhou
Guangxi 545007, China
P: +86 772 3915 390
F:
+86 772 3915 089
GKN Wheels Nagbol
Nagbolvej 31,
DK – 6640 Lunderskov, Denmark
Tel: +45 79 84 51 00
Fax: +45 75 58 52 99
GKN Wheels North American
Technical Centre
2715 Davey Road, Woodridge
Illinois 60517, USA
P: +1 630 972 1281
F:
+1 630 972 1348
GKN Wheels Huading
928 JingDu Road, Donghai Economic
Development Zone, Lianyungang
Jiangsu, 222300, China
Tel: +86 518 8729 9308
Fax: +86 518 8777 9889
GKN Wheels Carpenedolo and
European Technical Centre
Viale S. Maria 76
25013 Carpenedolo (Brescia), Italy
Tel: +39 030 99861
Fax: +39 030 9986234
GKN LS 62 GB 1114 pu
www.gknlandsystems.com