Abstract: A compactor wheel is mountable on an axle of a compaction machine. The compactor wheel may comprise a hub mountable to an axle of a compaction machine; a rim mounted to the hub, the rim having a face; a plurality of compaction cleats mounted to the face of the rim; an axle guard movable relative to the rim during rotation of the compactor wheel; and structure for coupling the axle guard to at least one of the hub and the rim.

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: The present invention enables waste to be removed from behind a compaction wheel without having to remove the wheel from the compaction machine. The present compaction wheel allows access through the compaction wheel to a portion of the axle located behind the wheel, thereby saving the cost associated with removing the compaction wheel and improving productivity by reducing the amount of down time needed to service and inspect each compaction wheel, its axle and the portions of the compaction machine hidden by each wheel. Each compaction wheel includes an access opening disposed between a wheel hub and outer rim and operatively adapted to allow access to and permit removal of waste from around a portion of the axle located behind the compaction wheel, while the compaction wheel is mounted on the axle.