HESS SERVICE
Expert Tip of the Month
- July -
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Wheels on the Filler Box - Vulkollan vs. Steel
Condition Inspection, Cleaning, and Cost-Effective Replacement
Wheels and rails on the filler box are crucial for smooth operation, low friction and predictable maintenance intervals.
In July's Expert Tip of the Month, Uwe Kaiser explains in an interview with Carina Targus how to detect wear early on, why cleaning and inspection are important, and when it makes more sense to replace the running wheels rather than repair the rails.
The Expert Interview
Carina Targus: “Vulkollan or steel — what are the advantages of Vulkollan wheels from the customer’s perspective?”
Uwe Kaiser: “The key advantage is that the service life of the rails improves significantly. This has a direct impact on uptime and maintenance costs, since replacing rails is usually much more labor-intensive than replacing the wheels.”
Carina Targus: “Why is it so important to regularly inspect and clean the wheels?”
Uwe Kaiser: “When a wheel is worn, play develops. This can cause the filler box to ‘float’ in the rail—which in turn increases wear and the risk of subsequent problems.
In addition, experience shows:
- The service life of the wheels is significantly reduced when they run in a worn rail—regardless of whether they are steel or Vulkollan wheels.
- The service life of the rail is significantly reduced when worn steel wheels run in it.
Carina Targus: “Uwe, why is it worth taking a closer look at the wheels?”
Uwe Kaiser: “Because wheels and rails are a classic example of ‘creeping’ wear—until it suddenly becomes expensive. If you check their condition regularly and take action in a timely manner, you can prevent further damage, improve the performance of the filler box, and reduce unplanned downtime.”
Carina Targus: “When it comes to replacement: How much time does it take to replace the wheels versus the rails?”
Uwe Kaiser: “The difference is significant. As a rough estimate (for 14 wheels):
- Replacing wheels: approx. 15 minutes of labor for 14 pieces; total time, including preparation, approx. 3.5–4 hours.
- Replacing rails: approx. 120 minutes per rail (4 pieces), totaling approx. 8 hours—provided that the space in the cabin allows them to be pulled out toward the rocker arms.
This shows that replacing the 14 wheels in a timely manner often allows for a faster return to stable production.”
Carina Targus: “What factors should one keep in mind regarding costs and general conditions?”
Uwe Kaiser: “In addition to the cost of parts, other factors are often relevant for rails: higher shipping costs (wooden crate, oversized shipment) and the effort involved in on-site replacement.”
Feel free to check out the entire interview on the topic of wheels.
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Our Special Offer for You in July
Take advantage of a 5% special discount on wheels.
Discount code: Wheel5
Please include the discount code listed above with your inquiry
or order in July.
If you habe any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
