Global Air Cylinder Wheels introduces OTR tyre replacement

Tyres are an essential part of mobility, but are their days numbered? One company believes that its new wheel technology can substitute the traditional rubber tyre used in mining applications and provide an alternative that is “eco-friendly, cost-effective, stronger and safer.”

Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW) is based in the US state of Arizona and has already raised more than US$2.5 million on crowdfunding site StartEngine to further develop its Air Suspension Wheel (ASW), a patented airless mechanical design constructed primarily of steel with in-wheel suspension.

The ASW combines an inner steel hub with an outer steel drum which is connected by 8-12 nitrogen-filled air cylinders and four to six oil-filled dampers that provide suspension. Individually bolt-on steel or polyurethane treads are fitted to the outer drum. These individual treads can be replaced without removing the wheel, a process that takes up to eight hours with conventional OTR tyres.

Wheels become part of suspension system

“The ASW is so much more than just another wheel,” says Dr Zoltan Kemeny, president and chief executive officer of GACW. “As opposed to the traditional pneumatic tyre providing suspension outside the rim, the ASW suspension is located inside the wheel. Essentially, our wheels become part of the vehicle’s overall suspension system. Our wheels are an effective and viable option to rubber tyres. They are cost-efficient, safer, and are better for the environment, and for those industries that rely heavily on tyres.”

GACW states that it has tested its wheel technology in real-world conditions and has been developing the ASW for OTR mining vehicles since 2015. Noting that “expensive” conventional rubber tyres account for the mining industry’s largest expense after payroll and have relatively short lifespans, the company says the ASW is “durable” and “designed to have the same lifespan as the vehicle itself,” a working life of approximately ten to 15 years. GACW adds that this longevity means fewer replacement costs and less time spent swapping out damaged tyres. What’s more, unlike rubber tyres the ASW can be leased, with a 15 per cent residual value after ten years of service.

According to GACW, key ASW features & benefits are:

• Durable and heat resistant, reducing downtime caused by tyre failure and replacement.
• Safer: No risk of explosion.
• Easy installation requires no specialised equipment, and individually replaceable treads do not require wheel removal.
• Self-aligning, self-balancing, no wheel rotation necessary.
• No need for tyre pressure and temperature checks.
• Up to 40 per cent higher payload capacity.
• Saves at least eight per cent fuel.
• Reduces cost per hour/mile by up to 60 per cent.
• Up to 30 per cent reduced rolling resistance.

GACW reports that it has “raised approximately $4 million so far, created an experienced board of directors, and formed a first-class advisory board.” It further reports “ambitious plans” this year to ramp up the production of its wheels with partner OTR Wheel Engineering. In the next two years, GACW expects ASW will be fully commercialised with rapid adoption into mining fleets.