Webb Vortex brake drums

Webb Wheel’s Severe Duty business unit has released a lineup of Vortex brake drums for applications such as refuse trucks that are subjected to a higher frequency of braking stops compared to standard commercial vehicles. The Webb Vortex severe-duty drum designs dissipate brake heat and lower the average brake operating temperature versus the performance of standard brake drums, the company says, lowering life-cycle costs for these types of operations.

Refuse and similar fleets have significantly more punishing duty cycles than OTR operations for which most standard brake drums are designed, says Webb. It adds that in such operations brakes are commonly the third highest cost after fuel and tires. The new drum is a premium product optimized for these applications with a focus on heat management, thus lower operating temperatures. That in turn extends brake drum and friction life and may improve tire costs because excessive heat can have a negative impact on tire life.

The new Vortex severe-duty drums were designed for and tested in the refuse industry to maximize the benefits for trucks operating in these environments. Six new drums are available for 16.5×5-, 16.5×6-, 16.5×7-, 16.5×8-, and 16.5×8.62-inch brake sizes to fit multiple applications.