Goodyear supplies 100th xlite wheel set to Meiller

Goodyear has a supply deal with the xlite forged aluminium wheel brand across Europe; the tyre supplier has just reached the milestone of 100 orders completed with its tyres fitted on xlite products. German commercial vehicle body specialist Meiller is the recipient of the landmark order. It offers xlite and Goodyear wheel combinations on its tipping semitrailers, supplied in two and three axle, classic and halfpipe formats to carry loads of up to 39,000kg. Meiller uses forged aluminium wheels where specified by its customers in order to improve overload performance, especially when lifting the first trailer axle for better starting traction.

Peter Hammers, product manager at Meiller, said: “Our customers often specify aluminium wheels on tipping semitrailers to maximize the load capacity. However, for better starting traction in off-road conditions they want to lift the first trailer axle, but then the other axles, wheels and tyres must then bear an overload of 30% at a speed of up to 25kph. xlite wheels provide this overload rating and therefore gives obvious operational advantages.”

xlite says its wheels are five times stronger and 40 per cent lighter than the standard steel equivalent. They are forged from a single aluminium billet using a computerised numeric control machine to produce a higher degree of production accuracy. They are available in 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch sizes.

John Ellis, managing director at Motor Wheel Service, added: “We have had a cooperative supply agreement in place with Goodyear since (DATE) and it is starting to really gain momentum. Customers, whether operators or vehicle body manufacturers, appreciate the ability to order the exact wheel and tyre combination they need ready to fit, as well as the technical advice they we can provide alongside Goodyear.”

xlite is offered with three finishes – machined, polished and xbrite – with the latter using a chemical finish which means lower maintenance, minimal cleaning and a lasting shine. Other added benefits include increased safety, reduced vibration and longer wear on surrounding parts according to MWS