GKN Wheels says it will use MINExpo as the launch platform for its ‘Swift Wheel Technologies’, which it states represent a key development in its mining wheel and hub technologies. The company will also formally sign a new five-year distribution agreement with Australian-based Rimtec Pty Ltd at the show – a partnership covering GKN’s wheels distribution in the Asia Pacific Rim regions. Exhibiting as part of the GKN Land Systems Booth #5833, GKN Wheels will showcase its “focus on research and development to address challenges within the mining industry.”
The new mining range includes: a new 63 in Swift Change Rim and Swift ID – a wheel identification system; and its large capacity hub and spindle range – bringing the latest 50,000 lb load capacity design to the harsher environments of construction and mining. GKN Wheels will also emphasise the scale and scope of its capabilities at MINExpo, exhibiting its 33 in and 49 in wheels alongside the new product launches. Jules Carter, Global Engineering & Product Development Director at GKN Wheels states: “The new range of larger mining wheels complements and extends our existing product lines and will enable us to meet the needs of the mining marketplace in China and throughout Australasia. In extending our offering to the mining market, GKN Wheels has taken a truly global approach, with R&D activity focused in the US, testing at the company’s dedicated Technical Centres in the US and Italy, and production in China. In addition, trial wheels have been running on Caterpillar and Komatsu mining trucks in the Asia Pacific region since 2009 and are performing strongly, attracting some positive customer feedback.”
GKN Wheels can now supply fully integrated wheel, hub and spindle designs that have been manufactured and performance-verified using both engineering modelling and live product testing. The ability to offer complete systems to the highest standards, from a single source, and in a comprehensive range of load from 1,000 to 50,000 lb, allows GKN Wheels the flexibility required to produce fully tested, reliable designs quickly and to the highest possible standards.