At HEI Civil, maximizing productivity and reducing downtime are essential to keeping our projects on schedule. That’s why we always seek innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Our recent collaboration with Felco Industries is a prime example of how working directly with manufacturers can lead to game-changing advancements in equipment performance.
Identifying the Challenge
Like many contractors, we faced a persistent issue with axle bearing failures on our previous wheel compactors. The costs added up quickly—around $4,000 per wheel repair—on top of the time lost due to frequent maintenance. Operators also had to grease the bearings twice daily, further reducing productivity. It was clear that we needed a long-term solution to increase uptime and efficiency while reducing maintenance demands.
A Custom Solution: Felco Segmented Compaction Wheels
Rather than simply offering an off-the-shelf product, Felco Industries worked closely with us to understand the root of the problem and develop a solution tailored to our needs. In 2023, we added a custom Felco Segmented Compaction Wheel to our fleet, and the impact was immediate. We saw such a massive reduction in maintenance costs and increased production efficiency that we knew it was time to expand. This success led us to integrate more of Felco’s Segmented Compaction Wheels featuring a Sealed Journal Bearing system. These wheels eliminate the need for daily greasing, significantly reducing maintenance time and costs. Even better, they come with a 5-year Limited Warranty, giving us confidence in their long-term durability.
Real-World Performance and Continued Innovation
The transition to Felco Segmented Compaction Wheels has been a game-changer for our fleet. Not only have we eliminated the costly and time-consuming maintenance of axle bearings, but we’ve also increased overall productivity on-site. Felco continues to work with our equipment team, gathering feedback and monitoring performance to ensure these wheels deliver maximum value.
The Power of Collaboration
Our experience with Felco Industries highlights the importance of manufacturers working with contractors to develop solutions that address real-world challenges. By focusing on what we needed rather than what they thought we needed, Felco helped us achieve significant operational improvements.
At HEI Civil, we believe that continuous improvement and strong industry partnerships drive success. We’re proud to work with forward-thinking companies like Felco Industries that share our vision for efficiency, reliability, and innovation in civil construction.
