Abstract: A turf wheel having a wheel rim having an inner and outer surface, and an annular tread portion; a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the outer surface of the wheel rim, wherein each projection provides a stem, a ground contacting pad, and a ground engaging lug; and a hub. A wheel cleaning system having a frame provided by a wheeled apparatus; at least one turf wheel mounted to the frame; a turf wheel scraper assembly, the turf wheel scraper assembly providing a turf wheel scraper and an attachment mechanism, where the attachment mechanism is adapted to be mounted to the frame, and couples the turf wheel scraper to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame including a front frame part and a rear frame part. An elongated single wheel is rotatably connected to one of the front frame part and the rear frame part. The elongated wheel houses an expansion device including a linkage mechanism adapted to reconfigure a shape of the elongated wheel between a cylindrical shape in top view of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in a straight direction and a frustoconical shape in top view of the vehicle in a turning condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel guard includes a guard member disposed on a compactor wheel. The guard member has a first side having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is offset from the first portion such that to define a first stepped recess therein. The guard member has a second side disposed opposite to the first side. The first portion has a first cross-sectional thickness and the second portion has a second cross-sectional thickness such that the second cross-sectional thickness is lesser than the first cross-sectional thickness. The guard member has a first top surface defined by the first portion, and a second top surface defined by the second portion and partially by the first portion. The second top surface is offset from the first top surface such that to define a second stepped recess therein. The wheel guard includes a base plate and a wear pad coupled thereto.

Abstract: A studded wheel increases traction of a vehicle along slippery surfaces, such as a pipe. The wheel features a wheel body manufactured from a rigid material and having a tread surface. A plurality of studs are secured to the tread surface of the wheel body. The plurality of studs may be polycrystalline diamond. The plurality of studs may be secured directly to the tread surface of the wheel body, such as by brazing. The vehicle to which the wheel is attached may be an inspection vehicle with a mounted camera system fitted for surveying inaccessible areas including sewer systems and other internal piped locations.

Abstract: A shear pin supported cleaner finger assembly includes a frame member, a support member attached to the frame member, the support member defining a pivot point and a reactive point. A cleaner finger is pivotally attached to the support member at the pivot point, and a shear pin is positioned at the reactive point.

Abstract: An escape device for self-rescue in the case of an auto tyre being trapped in a pit includes a central positioning device, at least one tyre claw and a jacking device. The central positioning device is positioned and mounted at a central position of a wheel. The tyre claw and the central positioning device are fitted to each other and are clamped onto the tyre. The jacking device and the tyre claw are fitted to each other. The jacking device is further provided with a jacking head in contact with the pit ground. The jacking head protrudes out of an external rim of the tyre. The escape device for self-rescue can carry out effective rescue for trapped tyres, is convenient and fast to assemble and disassemble, saves time and energy, improves driving safety, and reduces the occurrence of accidents.

Abstract: A wheel having a plurality of lugs mounted in side-by-side positions forms a circular ring where each of the lugs has laterally extending legs forming a V-shape aligned with a rotational axis of the wheel. The lugs may have an outfacing rib aligned with the rotational axis and a further outfacing rib orthogonal to the rotational axis. A circular tensioning cord or strip may join the plurality of lugs. The lugs may be mutually offset around the circular ring in a sinusoidal pattern.

Abstract: A low impact turf wheel having a wheel rim including an inner and outer surface, a plurality of pegs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the wheel rim, wherein the plurality of pegs maintain the wheel rim above an area of turf, and a hub. A turf wheel having a wheel rim having an inner and outer surface, a plurality of pegs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the wheel rim, wherein the peg comprises a stem, a collar and a lug, and wherein the lug includes a limited surface area to provide a ground contacting tread, and a hub.

Abstract: A snow grooming vehicle comprising a support frame; an engine; two tracks mounted on opposite sides of the support frame itself, coupled to and driven by the engine; and comprising a first plurality of bristles arranged in a portion of the snow grooming vehicle adjacent to the track so as to capture the snow collected on the track.

Abstract: An earth working roller for use in an earth working machine includes a roller drum, which extends in a direction along a roller axis of rotation, surrounds a roller interior, and has a circular outer circumferential contour, wherein a substrate breaking configuration is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the roller drum. The substrate breaking configuration includes a plurality of impact bars along the roller drum in the direction of the roller drum axis of rotation, as well as a plurality of breaker bars along the roller drum in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention is related to durable, increased traction irrigation wheel systems and method of increasing traction and durability of an irrigation wheel. A segmented, fully enclosed, circular rotating drum may be provided with may be configured to rotate around a central axis. A system may have integrally placed flat sheets on a periphery of a segmented, fully enclosed, circular rotating drum, at least one traction projection, and perhaps even at least one influential traction enablement component.

Abstract: A support wheel for an irrigation system may comprise a rim configured to contact the ground with a ground contact surface, with the rim having an inner surface and an outer surface forming the ground contact surface. The rim may have a first edge and a second edge, with the first edge lying in a first plane. A hub may be positioned at a center of the wheel and being configured to mount on an axle. A spoke structure may extend from the hub of the wheel to the rim of the wheel. The spoke structure may include a plurality of frames, and at least one of the frames may be mounted on the inner surface of the rim along a line extending from the first edge to the second edge of the rim in a non-parallel and non-perpendicular orientation to the first plane.

Abstract: A method of casting an article includes positioning a first portion of the article, formed from a first material, in a rotatable mold. Additionally, the method includes, while rotating the mold, pouring a molten second material into the mold over the first portion to form a second portion of the article that is metallurgically bonded to the first portion of the article.

Abstract: A gauge wheel for an agricultural implement includes a tire. The tire includes a first circumferential section forming an axially inward portion of the tire. The first circumferential section comprises a lip extending radially outward from the tire and having an axially inward end configured to contact an opener disc. The lip also includes an axially outward end. Also, at least one cutout extends axially between the axially inward end and the axially outward end of the lip. Moreover, the at least one cutout is configured to enable displaced soil to move from the axially inward end to the axially outward end of the lip. The tire also includes a second circumferential section extending from the first circumferential section at the axially outward end of the lip and forming an axially outward portion of the tire.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a non-pneumatic tire for a center pivot irrigation system comprising two arcuate half-tire segments, the segments having two sidewalls connected by an outer circumferential wall and an inner circumferential wall; a plurality of transverse traction cleats circumferentially spaced on the outer circumferential wall extending between the side walls, the cleats having a rounded tip; a pair of connecting cleats at the ends of the half-tire segments having a plurality of apertures adapted for use in connecting the two arcuate half-tire segments; and a plurality of connectors adapted for insertion into the apertures wherein the cleats are tapered in width having a ratio of the center width of the cleat to the edge width of the cleat of at least about 1.25:1.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim (1) having a wheel rim well (2) and having a wheel disk (16, 25, 37), wherein the wheel rim well (2) has a substantially axially extending region (3) and the wheel disk (16, 25, 37) has a substantially axially extending region (8, 9), wherein the wheel disk (16, 25, 37) and the wheel rim well (2) are connected to one another in the axially extending regions (3, 8, 9).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of a vehicle, such as a landfill compactor, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a wheel having a rim from which radially extend a plurality of cleats or tips. A subset of tips may be provided circumferentially around a laterally inner edge of the wheel. A wheel guard may be mounted between adjacent pairs of tips of the subset. Each wheel guard may be welded to the rim and to the adjacent pairs of tips. Each wheel guard may be a unitary piece of metal, or could be provided in two or more segment so as to be adjustable and thus facilitate use on wheels of differing diameters, or with different tip spacing. The wheel guards and adjacent tips form a continuous barrier around the circumference of the wheel to prevent debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of the compactor.

Abstract: A terrain traversing device is described. The device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface. Improvements related to the design, fabrication and use of the microspine hooks in the device are also described.

Abstract: A segmented tire apparatus includes generally arcuate tire segments each including a radial tread extending along an outer circumference of the respective tire segment. Each tire segment further includes a first group of semi-transverse treads extending from at least adjacent to the radial tread in a first direction and a second group of semi-transverse treads extending from at least adjacent to the radial tread in a second direction. Each one of the second group of semi-transverse treads is positioned in an offset but substantially aligned orientation relative to an associated one of the first group of semi-transverse treads. In an alternative embodiment, a segmented tire apparatus includes a plurality of tire segments mountable onto a rim, with a plate positioned between a first one of the plurality of tire segments and a second one of the plurality of tire segments.

Abstract: A two-piece construction compaction cleat and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The compactor includes a base member affixable to a compactor wheel and having a bottom portion and a center flange, with the center flange extending upwardly from the bottom portion to form an upper ridge and being generally aligned along a center line of the base member. The compactor cleat also includes a cap member secured to the base member and positioned thereover so as to cover at least a portion of the base member, with the cap member having an arrangement of openings configured to receive the center flange therein. The center flange of the base member and the arrangement of openings formed in the cap member are configured to provide for a size-on-size fit between the base member and the cap member, so as to secure the cap member to the base member.

Abstract: We disclose herein a wire guard that is used to keep wire and other debris from wrapping around the axles of landfill trash compactors, thereby reducing the chance of damage to these axles and sealing systems. The wire guard is comprised of multiple segments that are individually welded to the edge of the wheel wrapper. The individual segments are through hardened and are, therefore, resistant to wear. Furthermore, they may include an overhanging lip that protects the edge of the wheel wrapper. This device is an improvement to other existing wire guards.

Abstract: A wheel apparatus includes a hub that is configured to be received by an axle of an irrigation system. The wheel apparatus also includes a rim assembly that includes a plurality of substantially flat feet that form a faceted circular arrangement. A support structure is disposed between the hub and the rim assembly to at least partially support the rim assembly. At least one of the substantially flat feet is coupled to at least one of the plurality of spoke structures. The wheel apparatus also includes at least one cleat disposed on an outside surface of at least one of the plurality of substantially flat feet to provide traction to the rim assembly.

Abstract: A tip for use with a wire guard system for a compactor wheel includes a base portion and a wear portion attached to and extending from the base portion. A first groove is disposed at the wear portion and shaped to receive an end portion of a first wire guard section. A second groove is disposed at the wear portion and shaped to receive an end portion of a second wire guard section.

Abstract: A compactor, compactor wheel and compactor wheel tip are disclosed. The shape of the tips substantially prevent refuse from packing in the round of the tips. More specifically, tips having relatively flat or constant side surfaces may lend themselves to adherence of moist or malleable refuse. However, by providing the plurality of surface facets and varying dimensions, angular dispositions and shapes of the surface facets, this ability of the refuse to pack in and around the tips is greatly reduced. Moreover, by providing the plurality of surface facets and side surfaces with the inclusion of shoulders and sharp edges therebetween, the ability of the tip to sever or otherwise destroy the refuse being compacted is improved.

Abstract: A traction device for lawn equipment wheels comprising: a removable belt, where said belt is placed over the circumference of the wheel; a pin, where said pin secures the belt around the wheel; and a traction surface across the surface of the belt. The traction surface may include a plurality of chain assemblies or alternatively a plurality of pointed lugs. The pointed lugs may insert through a plurality of openings along the surface of the belt and the lugs include a pointed end and a head end.

Abstract: A tip for use with a wire guard system for a compactor wheel includes a base portion and a wear portion attached to and extending from the base portion. A first groove is disposed at the wear portion and shaped to receive an end portion of a first wire guard section. A second groove is disposed at the wear portion and shaped to receive an end portion of a second wire guard section.

Abstract: A compactor cleat for reducing the amount of refuse build-up on the compactor wheel is disclosed. The compactor cleat includes a first tooth angled upward away from the compactor wheel in a first direction and a second tooth positioned adjacent the first tooth and being angled upward away from the compactor wheel in a second direction opposite from the first direction. The first tooth and the second tooth are formed such that an inner edge of the first tooth intersects an inner edge of the second tooth to form a scissor-shaped junction between the first tooth and the second tooth.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel for an agricultural irrigation system that permits movement of the irrigation system through muddy, slippery fields without leaving significant wheel ruts in the field and without requiring regular tire maintenance. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a regular polygonal wheel for use in an agricultural irrigation system. The wheel can include a central hub defining a central bore that is configured to mate with a wheel stud of the agricultural irrigation system. The wheel can include an outer circumferential portion that is configured to contact a surface on which the wheel is rolling. The circumferential portion can include a plurality of flat rectangular plates connected together to form a regular polygon. Each plate can have inner and outer opposed major surfaces, along with first and second opposed edges and third and fourth opposed edges.

Abstract: A compactor tip assembly for a landfill or soil compactor comprises a base and a tip that are formed from dissimilar materials. The tip may be formed from high carbon steel for wear resistance, while the base may be formed from low carbon steel for easy welding. The compactor tip assembly is attached to the compactor wheel by welding the base to the wheel. The tip and the base each have ground engaging surfaces which may be complementary to one another. A hollow pocket may be formed through the base and in the tip.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel (1) provided with a plurality of studs (2) which extend radially from a rim of the wheel. The studs are parabolic or substantially parabolic in cross-section in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the wheel and generally parallel to the rolling direction of the wheel which enables the studs to ride over the surface during rotation of the wheel without removing material from the surface.

Abstract: A cleat for compacting refuse at a landfill by use on the wheels of a compactor or on the shoes of a crawler-type tractor. The cleat has a prismatic modified Z or S configuration that affords superior compaction performance by increasing traction and thereby reducing churning of already compacted material. The flanges of the cleat create traction pockets on opposite sides so that the cleat is effective in either direction of the compactor or tractor.

Abstract: An all-terrain bicycle is comprised of a tubular frame defined by a main frame section and a front fork and a pair of rear forks, to which is removably secured a front and a rear wheel. The wheels are formed of plastics material and define a hub, a circular outer molded solid tire, and an intermediate connecting framework. The outer molded solid tire is a one-piece tire defining, when viewed in transverse cross-section, a central projecting dome merging into opposed tapered wings which are recessed from the top of the dome. An integrally molded connecting formation is provided under the dome to secure to a rim of the connecting framework. The dome defines a circumferential central rib around the outer molded tire for the displacement of the bicycle on a hard surface with the wings spaced from the hard surface. The wings constitute a wide tire support surface, together with the central rib, for the displacement of the bicycle on soft surfaces such as sand, grass, etc.

Abstract: A compactor wheel that is mountable on an axle of a compaction machine and that automatically adjusts for compacting low density and high density refuse. The compactor wheel is effectively wide when compacting low density material and narrower when compacting higher density material. The compactor wheel includes a hub, a rim and a plurality of cleats. The rim is mounted around the outer circumference of the hub and has a face with at least one smaller diameter section and at least one larger diameter section. The cleats are mounted to the larger diameter section(s) of the face. The one or more larger diameter sections of the face enable the compactor wheel to concentrate the weight of the compaction machine while the compaction machine is compacting relatively high density material.

Abstract: A compaction wheel includes a rigid cylinder forming an outer rim. Cleats are removably mounted in cleat-receiving apertures formal on the outer rim. Each cleat has a face plate configured to engage against the outer surface of the cylinder, a working portion extending from the outer surface of the face plate, and a tongue extending from the inner surface of the face plate and being configured to extend through the tongue receiving apertures formed in the outer rim. The tongue includes an aperture positioned to be located radially inwardly of the outer rim when the cleat is mounted on the outer rim. Connection rods are configured to extend through the tongue apertures to secure the cleats to the outer rim. For this purpose, the wheel includes guide tubes that are mounted radially inwardly of the outer rim.

Abstract: A compactor wheel that is mountable on an axle of a compaction machine and that automatically adjusts for compacting low density and high density refuse. The compacting surface of the compactor wheel is effectively wide when compacting low density material and narrower when compacting higher density material. The compactor wheel includes a hub, a rim and a plurality of cleats. The rim is mounted around the outer circumference of the hub and has a face with at least one smaller diameter section and at least one larger diameter section. The cleats are mounted to the larger diameter section(s) of the face. The one or more larger diameter sections of the face enable the compactor wheel to concentrate the weight of the compaction machine while the compaction machine is compacting relatively high density material.

Abstract: A segment structure mounted on a wheel or an endless rubber track for increasing the driving force of off-road vehicles, civil engineering machines or construction machines is disclosed. A segment of a rubber elastic material mounted on the outer periphery of the wheels or the endless rubber track includes a bottom section adapted to be in contact with the wheel or the endless rubber track, a hollow section formed in the segment along the width of the wheel or the endless rubber track, and a stopper erected into the hollow section from the bottom section. The inner surface of the hollow section and the stopper are kept out of contact with each other under a static load.

Abstract: The present invention provides tractor wheels which are mountable to off-road tractors and provide increased traction between the tractor wheels and the ground terrain. The tractor wheels have a round rim which can be mounted to a rear axle of the tractor. A plurality of lugs extend from the rim in a plurality of rows. The lugs have an angled face which strikes and penetrates the ground to provide traction and propel the tractor forward as the tractor wheel rotates.

Abstract: A segment structure mounted on a wheel or an endless rubber track for increasing the driving force of off-road vehicles, civil engineering machines or construction machines is disclosed. A segment of a rubber elastic material mounted on the outer periphery of the wheels or the endless rubber track includes a bottom section adapted to be in contact with the wheel or the endless rubber track, a hollow section formed in the segment along the width of the wheel or the endless rubber track, and a stopper erected into the hollow section from the bottom section. The inner surface of the hollow section and the stopper are kept out of contact with each other under a static load.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system tower support wheel includes first and second wheel halves, each of the wheel halves including a generally flat circular center hub section and an outwardly extending diverging wheel body section having a conic sidewall section extending at an angle relative to the hub section and an outer ground-engaging generally cylindrical wheel rim connected to the sidewall section and aligned generally perpendicular to the center hub section, the rim including an engagement surface spaced from the connection to the sidewall section. A connection structure is provided for connecting the engagement surfaces of the first and second wheel halves such that the first and second wheel halves form a support wheel having a generally flat circular wheel hub and a wheel body having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape with a generally broad outer surface formed by the generally cylindrical rims.

Abstract: The present invention includes an axle guard system which prevents, or at least substantially inhibits, cable, rope, wire and other refuse and debris from wrapping around the axle of a compaction machine, behind a compactor wheel mounted on the axle, during the operation of the compaction machine in compacting refuse. The compaction machine is of the type used, for example, in landfills or transfer facilities to compact (i.e., increase the density of) the refuse disposed therein. The compactor wheel comprises a hub mountable to the compaction machine axle, a rim mounted around the outer circumference of the hub, a plurality of cleats mounted to the face of the rim, and the axle guard system. The axle guard system can comprise at least one circumferential barrier extending above the face and adjacent the inner circumferential edge of the rim and/or a cleat-free area extending widthwise from the inner circumferential edge of the rim and across the rim toward the outer circumferential edge of the rim.

Abstract: A rollable walker for traversing stairs and substantially level surfaces, comprising a frame which includes a left and a right upright members, the left and right upright members including front legs, and an upper segment. The frame further includes a crossbar which is pivotaly connected to the left and a right upright members, the crossbar including a generally U-shaped transverse element and vertically disposed segments acting as rear legs. The crossbar is supported by supporting means. The supporting means is attached or integrally formed with the left and right upright members. A pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels engaged by wheel mounts, each wheel having two vertical planar surfaces. The rear wheels are connected to the rear legs, whereas the front wheels are connected to the front legs.

Abstract: A ground engaging tire assembly in the form of a wheel for a vehicle, comprising a rim (11) and a plurality of ground engaging elements (13) mounted on the rim. Each ground engaging element (13) comprises a hollow body (31) having an inner face (32) in engagement against the rim and an outer face (33) for contacting the ground. The hollow body (31) also has side faces (34) extending between the inner and outer faces. The side faces (34) are constructed to be resiliently flexible for deflection under normal load conditions thereby to provide cushioning for the vehicle. The ground engaging elements are so positioned on the rim that confronting side faces of neighboring elements provide lateral support for each other when deflecting under load.

Abstract: An irrigation system tower support wheel for use in combination with an irrigation system having one or more tower supports, irrigation means and drive means, the support wheel including a generally cylindrical wheel rim having outer and inner surfaces, first and second edges and a center longitudinal axis, the wheel rim having a generally flat cross-section. The wheel rim further includes first and second inwardly extending peripheral side flanges connected to the first and second edges respectively such that additional rigidity may be imparted to the cylindrical wheel rim. Support struts extend inward towards the center longitudinal axis of the wheel rim, the support struts mounted on the inner surface of the wheel rim. The outer surface of the wheel rim includes a plurality of lugs for improving traction of the wheel. Each of the lugs consists of a longitudinally extended channel having a V-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A tire comprising a body constructed to deform resiliently under load and a tread provided on the body. The tread comprising a plurality of raised portions (29) disposed in circumferential relationship and defining grooves (49) therebetween. Each raised portion (25) comprising a first central section (27) and a pair of lateral sections (29) each extending outwardly from the central section towards one side of the body. The lateral sections (29) define a V formation and the first central section (27) extends from the V formation in a direction away from the outer ends of the lateral sections (29) and towards the V formation if the next adjacent raised portion. The body may be defined by a plurality of segments (11) individually mountable onto a base.

Abstract: A cleat for mounting onto the working face of a wheel of a compaction machine. The cleat has a cutting face, two ends, two side faces and a bottom face. Each of the side faces is located on either side of the cutting face and slope downward toward the bottom face and generally toward opposite ends of the cleat.

Abstract: An antiskid device for vehicle wheels, having a retaining device which is coaxially attached on one side of the wheel rim or the wheel disc and which via arms disposed transversely of the running direction and engaging over the wheel running surface retains an antiskid chain bearing against the wheel running surface, the arms being pivotably attached to the retaining device via joints whose pivots are at right angles to the wheel axle and to the wheel radius extending through the joint, while via the joint the arms can also be pivoted around an axis parallel to the wheel axle, the arm ends attached in the joint being located in a recess in the retaining device which opens in the direction of the wheel side and has inclined lateral surfaces which return the arm end from an inclined position to a radial position.

Abstract: A traction device including a bit having a penetrating surface for penetrating a riding surface. The penetrating surface defines the cross sectional area of the bit and includes a plurality of facets wherein each facet intersects a common vertex. In a second embodiment, the penetrating surface defines an oval cross section transverse to the direction of penetration into a riding surface, wherein the circumference of the cross section increases as the distance from the tip increases.

Abstract: An irrigation wheel for movably supporting an irrigation pipe of a center pivot irrigation system, and including a central hub plate defining a central opening around the wheel axis of rotation. A pair of parallel, spaced annular rim plates of frustoconical configuration extend concentrically around the hub plate and wheel axis of rotation, and are fixed relative to the hub plate by circumferentially spaced spoke rods. The spoke rods are bent at their inner ends so as to define, in their overall configuration, an open space around the center of the wheel and extending out to the rim plates. The rim plates are unconnected to each other, except for the connection afforded by the spoke rods, which extend from the rim plates inwardly to the central hub plate and are connected to the central hub plate. Each rim plate has an inner edge, and has an outer edge which is spaced a greater radial distance from the wheel axis of rotation than is the inner edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire with inclined elastic support blocks on its outer surface, wherein, a number of elastic convex blocks are uniformly arranged on and integrated with the outer circumference surface of the tire, which direct against the rotation direction of the tire, and in each convex block there is a branch of a ring arbor which inclination direction is in accordance with said convex block. By using this kind of tire, The braking distance of the vehicle equipped with said tire is shorter, the starting moment is less and the vehicle has a good comfortability.

Abstract: The present invention includes an axle guard system which prevents, or at least substantially inhibits, cable, rope, wire and other refuse and debris from wrapping around the axle of a compaction machine, behind a compactor wheel mounted on the axle, during the operation of the compaction machine in compacting refuse. The compaction machine is of the type used, for example, in landfills or transfer facilities to compact (i.e., increase the density of) the refuse disposed therein. The compactor wheel comprises a hub mountable to the compaction machine axle, a rim mounted around the outer circumference of the hub, a plurality of cleats mounted to the face of the rim, and the axle guard system. The axle guard system can comprise at least one circumferential barrier extending above the face and adjacent the inner circumferential edge of the rim and/or a cleat-free area extending widthwise from the inner circumferential edge of the rim and across the rim toward the outer circumferential edge of the rim.