AGRICULTURAL, CONSTRUCTION AND MINING

Market overview
Wheels
AGRICULTURAL, CONSTRUCTION AND
MINING WHEELS
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.
AGRICULTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND MINING
As a leading partner in the agricultural, construction and mining world, GKN Land Systems works closely with
leading Original Equipment Manufacturers to develop, manufacture and supply, wheels and structural
products to meet the needs of the ever changing environment. Extensive research and development in
increasingly intelligent and integrated engineering solutions ensures that we supply products that are efficient,
enable increased productivity of machinery and take into consideration requirements for lighter weight and
increased payloads.
Having supplied the market for over a hundred years, we bring state of the art design and test facilities to
supply robust and long service life products for these high vibration and adverse environmental conditions.
3
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.
4
Testing
All products are validated at GKN WHEELS’ world class technical centres in Italy and china significant
investments HAVE BEEN MADE 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
> Life expectancy/fatigue analysis
Centre 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
GKN’s comprehensive facilities and approach result in:
across the globe. Since its installation numerous customers
> 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.
5
Product Overview
GKN Wheels Markets
Agricultural
Wheels >
GKN Wheels manufactures single piece fixed and adjustable wheels suitable for tractors,
combines, towed agricultural implements and trailed applications.
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Supplied globally to major agricultural OEMs and integrators, their wheel range includes products
Industrial
Mining
Other
designed for driven and trailed applications as well as specialist applications such as dual tyre.
GKN’s wheels are designed and studied using computer simulation, with field experience then
confirming rim capabilities.
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 renowned, 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.
Profi-fit wheel
W AND DW RIMS
Low pressure tyres are
extensively used in agricultural
applications in order to
minimise the risk of soil
compaction. However, these
tyres typically have stiffer
walls, making them more
difficult to fit. GKN developed
Profi-fit specifically to address
this problem.
GKN’s wheels are designed
and studied using computer
simulation (Finite Element
Analysis), with field experience
then confirming W and DW
rim capabilities. All of GKN’s
wheels have a well-proven
protective paint finish as
standard.
> Innovative design solution
> DW rims allow for easier tyre fitting and are available with
both asymmetrical and symmetrical rim profiles
> W rims are a basic rim profile and have a single well
> Enhanced durability
> Reduced weight
W and DW rims are produced in the UK, Denmark, the USA,
Italy and China.
> Easier tyre fitting
> Easer inflation of low pressure tyres
> More sustainable wheel design
The typical application for a Profi-fit rim includes combines,
self-propelled forage harvesters and tractors.
The Profi-fit rim is produced in the UK, Denmark, the USA,
Italy and China.
Wheel diameters available from 15” to 54” and widths from
7” to 30”.
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Profi-line Wheel
profi-flex Wheel
Trailed wheels must perform
in arduous conditions whilst
avoiding unnecessary weight
and the associated impact on
soil compaction. With the aim
of continuous improvement,
GKN Wheels has developed
the Profi-line rim profile to
minimise stress in that radius.
A key trend in recent years
has been the move towards
bigger farms, with tractors
spending more time on the
road with a need to travel
faster. There is also a need for
a greater frequency of track
adjustments to suit the needs
of varying crops.
> Five-fold increase in fatigue life
The Profi-flex wheel has been designed to suit this trend.
> 40 % reduction of stress in key areas
> Increased bolt stretch
> Reduced weight with no loss of performance
> 16 offset positions
> Exhaustively tested in lab and field conditions
> Can operate at speeds of up to 50kph
> Developed to cope with heavier loads
> Available with either a square or a round disc
> Efficiency and performance benefits
> Available with a Profi-fit rim profile
The typical application for a Profi-line rim includes implement
and trailed equipment as well as other load-bearing vehicles.
The typical application for a Profi-flex wheel is a tractor.
The Profi-line wheel is produced in Denmark, the USA
and Italy.
The Profi-flex Wheel is produced in the UK, Denmark,
the USA, Italy and China.
Wheel diameters available from 15” to 42” and
widths from 7” to 28”.
Wheel diameters available from 15” to 54” and
widths from 7” to 30”.
SPRAYER WHEELS
IRRIGATION WHEEL
Supplied globally to major
agricultural OEMs and
integrators, GKN Wheels Spray
Wheel for row crop sprayers
are strong and durable by
design, built to withstand the
ultimate in high-stress field
applications.
GKN Wheels is a major supplier
of wheels for the demanding
requirements of the irrigation
equipment market. These
products are exposed to harsh
environment conditions,
high humidity and extended
exposure to direct sunlight
which can result in rapid
corrosions of the wheel unless adequately protected.
> Higher load
> Low wobble and run out
> All wheels include GKN’s technologically advanced paint
process comprising an electro-coat primer and high quality
top coat paint
> Perfect concentricity
> More payload achievable
> Can carry a load capacity as high as 6,000lbs
> Material and weight reduction
The typical application for an Irrigation Wheel is with irrigation
equipment.
> Designed to build in additional strength
The Sprayer Wheel has been designed for use on row crop
sprayers.
Irrigation Wheels are produced in the USA.
Wheels diameters available from 24” to 38” and widths from 8”
to 15”.
It is produced in Denmark and the USA.
Wheel diameters available from 30.5” to 54” and widths from
8” to 23”.
7
Product Overview
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS & DUALS
GKN Wheels can offer innovative custom solutions across all markets and
sectors, drawing on extensive technical expertise. They provide support
from concept, through design, analysis and testing with comprehensive and
versatile production facilities to design, manufacture and test these unique
designs.
GKN Wheels can also manufacture wheels to handle the toughest requirements,
including dual tyre configurations. We offer a full range of dual wheels, from
26” diameter to 46” diameter, for both steer and drive positions. The 42” dual
wheel incorporates improvements that enhance durability and ease outer wheel removal and servicing.
A new design of hub adapter has a wide mounting ledge which can support both the inner and outer duals
during bolt installation. This provides perfect alignment and helps prevent damage to bolt threads. A benefit of
this arrangement is that the inner dual can be installed and removed from the hub adapter, without affecting
the inner dual wheel. The inner wheel remains in place, allowing the vehicle to be driven for transport purposes.
eels Markets
Construction and Mining >
When it comes to heavy duty wheels, GKN manufactures a range of wheels up to sizes in 63”
diameter, including their Swift Change range which enables quick and efficient tyre changes on
Industrial
Mining
Other
large equipment such as quarry haul trucks, large mining trucks, loaders, rigid dump trucks,
articulated dump trucks and motor graders.
GKN has reviewed the critical characteristics of mining and heavy construction applications to
manufacture reliable and durable products to operate in these extreme conditions. Wheels are
designed to meet customer and applications needs without adding unnecessary weight, so
controlling product costs, reducing fuel consumption and increasing payloads.
pRODUCT RANGE >
> Standard products are available in diameters up to 63˝ and widths up to 52˝
> High strength low alloy (HSLA) and quality carbon structural steel is used
> Swift Change rims offer easier tyre changing increasing equipment efficiencies
and reducing machine downtime
> Construction and mining wheels are manufactured in China, Denmark and the USA
> Fixed, 3 and 5 piece wheels are available in a variety of different applications
8
GIANT MINING TRUCK RIMS
SWIFT CHANGE
Giant Mining Trucks must
perform in arduous conditions
and GKN Wheels offers fullservice wheel technology from
design and testing through
to manufacture of quarry
and mining rims designed
to meet the needs of these
heavy duty applications and
environments.
Changing or rotating a tyre
assembly on a mining machine
can be challenging and
time consuming. With GKN
Wheels’ Swift Change Rims,
tyre removal is significantly
faster than with standard rims
ensuring machine downtimes
is minimised.
> Design at GKN Wheels’ Mining Technology Centre in North
America
> Designed for minimal tyre slippage areas
> Standard five piece rim/wheel–tubeless operation
> Enables tyre to be changed without removing the outer or
inner wheel assembly
> Reinforced bead seat band and back section
> A time saving and safer operation
The typical application for a Giant Mining Truck rim includes
120 Ton – 280 Ton Haul Truck.
> Swift ID chips also available wirelessly transfer important
data from the wheel to a handheld reader
Giant Mining Truck rims are produced in Denmark, China
and the USA.
The typical application for Swift Change Technology includes
mining equipment facing harsh operating conditions.
Wheel diameters available in 51” and 57” and
widths from 22” – 60”.
Swift Change Wheels are produced in China and the USA.
Swift Change Wheels available in sizes 51”, 57” and 63”
QUARRY HAUL TRUCK RIMS
UNDERGROUND MINING RIM
This 5-piece wheel has been
designed specifically for
smaller Quarry Haul Trucks.
GKN Wheels’ solution offers
improved profile structures
without adding unnecessary
weight. In turn this helps to
consistently delivery markedly
increased fuel efficiency.
GKN Wheels has introduced a
new 3-piece Heavy Duty 20”
rim design. Applications such
as underground drill rigs are
working in tough environments
which require a wheel with
higher durability — GKN has
worked with OEMs to resolve
this issue.
> Circumferential weld joints inspected for quality and
integrity
> Rim designed to easy tyre mounting
> Forged and seamless ring material used for critical
components
> Improved total cost of ownership
> All primary components made from high strength low alloy
steel (HSLA)
The typical application for a Underground Mining rim includes
underground drill rigs.
The typical application for a Quarry Haul Truck rim includes 35
Ton – 100 Ton Haul Truck.
Underground Mining rims are produced in Denmark.
> Designed with extensive FEA & laboratory tests
> Optionally supplied with NDT certificates
Wheel diameters available in 20” and widths from 8” – 8.2”.
Quarry Haul Trick rims are produced in Denmark, China and
the USA.
Wheel diameters available in 33” – 49” and
widths from 14” – 22”.
9
nstruction
Product Overview
MEGA HAUL TRUCK RIMS
MEGA HAUL TRUCK RIMS
GKN Wheels offers full-service
wheel technology solutions
from design and testing
through to manufacture of
Mega Haul Truck rims. GKN’s
wheels are designed using
the best methodologies to
withstand extreme loads and
stresses in the harsh mining
environment.
GKN Wheels has a reputation
for leading the industry in the
design, manufacture and supply
of 3 and 5 piece multi-piece
wheels to the construction and
mining industries. GKN Wheels
ensure you receive a costeffective, efficient product to
meet your needs.
> Forged and seamless ring material used for critical
components
> Heavy duty lock ring
> POSI LOK flange design, for reduced flange slippage
> 5-piece rim allows ease of tyre fitting for heavy duty
machinery
> 3-piece rim offers reduced weight compared to the
equivalent 5-piece
The typical application for a Mega Haul Truck rim includes >
300 Ton Haul Truck.
Multi-piece wheels are suitable for a range of applications,
including mining trucks, wheel loaders, dozers, motor graders
and other specialist applications.
Mega Haul Truck rims are produced in Denmark,
China and the USA.
Multi-piece wheels are produced in Denmark,
China and the USA.
Wheel diameters available in 63” and widths from 36” and up.
Wheel diameters available in 24” to 35” and
widths from 8.5” to 36”.
GKN Wheels Markets
Hub sytems >
GKN are a leading supplier of Hub Systems. They provide highly engineered systems to multiple core
GKN Wheels Markets
global customers, as well as those regionally focused. The company supplies to major Off-highway
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
GKN Wheels Markets
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
Mining
Industrial
Mining
Other
manufacturers and suppliers of OEM across the Americas and Europe.
Their range of Hub Systems is comprehensive, with application specific solutions. The product line
Other
is rigorously tested at GKN’s North American Engineering Centre to provide the highest assurance
Heavy construction
Agriculture
Light construction
Industrial
that customers will receive components and assemblies that exceed expectations.
Mining
Other
pRODUCT RANGE >
> Assemblies can be delivered to the customer in a wide range of configurations
> Complete wheel, hub and spindle assembles available
> Hubs are available from 500lbs (363kg) up to 60,000lbs (27,216kg)with 4 through 20 bolts
> Spindles are available in 1 ¼˝ through to 6˝ in diameter
Hubs and Spindles
GKN Wheels manufactures a range of customised hubs and spindles for offhighway machinery. Bent and straight spindles can be customised to specified
dimensions.
> 4 Bolt through 10 Bolt + Bolt patterns
> High load capacity 25,000lbs (11,340kg) through 60,000lbs (27,216kg)
> Sold in a variety of configurations including machined hub, hub with cups
installed, and complete hub and spindle assemblies
> Wide range of wheel mounting systems available
Hub Systems are produced in the USA. Available in weights from 500lbs
(227kg) to 60,000lbs (27,216kg) and diameters from 1 1/4” to 6”
10
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