Alcoa adds sizes to Ultra One line

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 1, 2016) — Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products is expanding the size range of its lightweight Ultra One heavy-duty wheel line with two additional 22.5-inch and the first 24.5-inch sizes.

Alcoa claims the Ultra One products, which use the firm's proprietary “MagnaForce” alloy, are the lightest heavy-duty wheels on the market, weighing in at nearly half the weight of steel wheels the same size.

The new sizes and their applications are:

• 24.5 x 8.25 — for over-the-road hauling;
• 22.5 x 14 — for wide-base single tires; and
• 22.5 x 9 — for refuse collection, logging, mining and other heavy-haul applications.

The original size, 22.5 x 8.25, debuted in 2014. The new sizes will be available starting May 15.

“Alcoa is continually expanding its state-of-the art aluminum wheel solutions,” said Tim Myers, president, Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products.

Lower-weight wheels can help fleets carry more goods and lower emissions.

Cleveland-based Alcoa also notes the new wheels are lighter than their predecessors by two to three pounds. The 14-inch size carries a 12,800-pound load rating.

The company did not disclose pricing of the new wheels vs. the older versions.

Alcoa disclosed the expanded sizing at the recent American Trucking Associations' Maintenance Council meeting in Nashville.