Trelleborg Tires at the forefront of integrated wheel-tire systems

Trelleborg, Sweden – In the off-highway machinery industry, the relationship between wheels and tires is often overlooked, despite playing a crucial role in machine performance and safety. While tires tend to capture most of the attention, wheels are just as important, serving as the foundation for optimal functionality. An integrated wheel-tire system isn’t just about compatibility—it’s about creating a complete solution that enhances performance, reduces risks, and boosts overall efficiency.

“When components are mismatched, the consequences can be severe – uneven wear, reduced equipment life, and safety issues,” explains Pasquale Fabbricatore, Product Manager Trelleborg Wheels. “That’s why integrated solutions have become increasingly important. By offering complete systems, we not only improve performance but also ensure cost efficiency and safety.”

As a European manufacturer of both tires and wheels, Trelleborg Tires, has long been at the forefront of offering integrated wheel-tire systems. This unique position allows optimal compatibility and performance, making Trelleborg Tires a trusted partner for OEMs and professionals.

The wheel rim is often seen as a basic component, but Trelleborg’s patented TW rim technology redefines traditional rim design. Specifically engineered for large agricultural tires, this advanced profile goes beyond basic functionality, delivering multiple benefits: it ensures easier and faster tire fitting, accelerates the inflation of low-pressure tires, and improves overall efficiency — critical factors for optimal performance in agricultural applications. But the engineering advances don’t stop at operational convenience.

“The design represents a significant leap forward in rim technology,” explains Fabbricatore. “By optimizing the contour and strategically using thinner materials, we’ve enhanced both performance and wheel life. This is crucial under extreme conditions, where the rim faces significant stress. Moreover, the increased structural resistance actually reduces overall wheel weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced carbon emissions for agricultural equipment.”.

With the rising power of modern agricultural machinery, preventing tire-rim slippage has become a critical issue. Trelleborg’s THK (Trelleborg High Knurling) technology addresses this challenge by enhancing the grip between the tire and rim.

“THK technology was specifically developed to prevent slippage, which is common under high-torque conditions,” Fabbricatore explains. “We’ve significantly improved the knurling profile to nearly double its height compared to traditional designs. This provides superior grip, particularly in high-speed and high-torque applications. In addition, we apply a non-slip coating to the rim bead seat to ensure a secure tire-to-rim connection, even under extreme conditions.”.

This innovation ensures the integrity of the wheel-tire system, even when subjected to the toughest operational environments.

By combining these technologies, Trelleborg Tires not only ensures superior performance but also sets new benchmarks in terms of both efficiency and sustainability for agricultural machinery. “Our integrated wheel-tire solutions like TW and THK represent a fundamental shift in the way machinery can operate—more effectively, while reducing environmental impact.”, Fabbricatore concludes.