ABI/Cleveland 3 bolt vs 6 bolt wheels

[Bearhawk535]

Can anyone tell me the difference in the 3 bolt versus 6 bolt ABI and Cleveland wheels other than the obvious hardware and about $300?
Ready to buy wheels and wondering if there is significant strength or load limit difference. I am planning on 31 inch Bushwheels as well.
i assume that both are double puck brakes.

[Bcone1381]

When I was checking out wheels and brakes at OSH last year, I talked with Robby Grove about the Grove Wheel and Brake products. The product that he said was ideal for the Patrol (And what I think they use for the four place) is a three bolt wheel with double puck brakes.

[whee]

Wish I could answer your question directly but I can say this: ABI is basically a copy of the Cleveland stuff. The 3 bolt vs 6 bolt debate has gone one forever and I'm sure it will continue. I called Airframes Alaska, told them what I was doing and asked for their recommendation. They sold me their 3-bolt 199-62 wheel/brake kit which is what they recommended for Cessna 180s and Maules.

I too planned on running 31" bushwheels but have determined that my airplane will see too much pavement. I wish I would have gone with their 10" wheels so I could run 29" Airhawks or the 31" Dessers. As soon as I recover financially from the build I'll be buying 10" wheels and probably the 31" Dessers.

[Zzz]

The 6-bolt wheels were generally spec'd for aircraft like the Cessna 185, the idea being that a higher max gross weight aircraft could potentially apply more shear force to the wheel hardware.

It's overkill for Bearhawks in my opinion. I've yet to hear of anyone shearing for bending bolts on 3-bolt wheels.

[Rollie]

Have you looked at Matco? I had a hard time figuring out which of their wheels would work on the Patrol from their website so I finally called and they were very helpful. The price is so much lower than Cleveland or ABI that I will have a second set of wheels that I can keep my 31s on so I can swap out 8.50s for 31s in a few minutes instead of close to two hours. For just under $1000 I got a pair of wheels with rotors and brake calipers and their parking brake. I bought them about 2 years ago so the price has probably changed a bit. The second set of wheels will be cheaper since I won't need another set of calipers.

Matco rates their wheels by weight, braking torque and some other stuff. I think the ones I got are the same as the ones for the RV-10 and with our landing speed and gross weight, compared to an RV-10, they should be stronger than needed.

I think this is one of those times that you can get something of the same quality for a lot less just because it isn't certified.

[DemoDollCate]

I have a set of GarAero 29's. 3 bolt, mounted up, ready to go. I'm considering selling them.