Moveero, the US-based leader in off-highway solutions, has reached a major milestone in its hubs and spindles manufacturing investment programme, completing the second of four planned phases. This initiative, part of a two to three-year Continuous Improvement and Investment programme, demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and maintaining its reputation for high-quality, high-performance products.
Based in Armstrong, Iowa, moveero’s manufacturing plant has been working closely with its North American R&D centre, incorporating cutting-edge technology to bolster the production of agricultural and construction hubs. The plant features a state-of-the-art hub test stand, enabling the in-house testing of high-capacity systems.
Moveero offers a comprehensive range of hubs, from 500 lbs (227 kg) to a massive 60,000 lbs (27,200 kg), with the largest capacity hub system specifically designed for heavy-duty single-axle vehicles like grain carts and slurry wagons. Customisable options, including disc brake components, add to their appeal for demanding off-highway applications.
Moveero's current investment is part of a multi-year programme that began in 2023. Phase 1, completed by the end of last year, focused on optimising plant workflow and relocating the assembly area to enhance efficiency. Phase 2, now complete, saw the installation of a state-of-the-art twin spindle Kitako lathe. This advanced machining system is currently in operation, manufacturing precision hub castings with tighter tolerances and improved efficiency.
Brian Craig, Operations Manager at moveero’s Armstrong facility, commented: “We have been working on the design of this new cell for a couple of years, collaborating with different equipment manufacturers to come up with the most capable process and equipment on the market today.
“This new machine represents an upgrade of our existing equipment, with the introduction of the very latest technology bringing even tighter tolerances and improved efficiency to our products, reflecting our commitment to constantly evolve and continually improve.”
Phase 3, scheduled for completion in Q1 2025, promises a significant step forward with the installation of a fully automated cell. This advanced technology will streamline the manufacturing process, allowing raw castings to be machined and prepared for assembly without manual intervention.
Aaron Dahl, Chief Engineer North America for moveero, said: “In simple terms, a raw casting will go into the new automated cell and the hub will come out of it, ready to go straight to the new assembly area.”
This fully automated cell is the first of its kind in moveero’s hubs and spindles plant and signals a leap in the company’s manufacturing processes, further reinforcing its leadership in the market.
Moveero’s reputation in North America is built on its innovative solutions for off-highway machinery. Mark Heitman, moveero’s Hubs & Spindles Product Manager, highlighted the success of the company’s patented Profi-Hub system, stating: “Designed to meet the demands of more powerful, higher-capacity machinery, [Profi-Hub] delivers increased carrying capacity together with significantly longer service life, improved performance and simpler servicing.”
Extensive testing of the system revealed a 2.5x improvement in bearing life, offering a minimum of 20,000 miles of service at 20 miles per hour. Additionally, the system’s casting weight has been reduced by 15 lbs, all without compromising strength or durability.
As moveero continues to push the boundaries of off-highway engineering, their ongoing investment in manufacturing technology solidifies their role as a key player in the industry. By blending advanced technology with deep industry expertise, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering innovative, high-performance hubs and spindles for demanding applications across the globe.
