Sourcing Replacement Wheels for the Ingersoll Rand SD-70 Compactor

[MikePhua]

The SD-70 and Its Role in Soil Compaction
The Ingersoll Rand SD-70 is a single-drum vibratory compactor designed for medium-duty soil compaction in road construction, site preparation, and utility trench backfill. Introduced in the early 2000s, the SD-70 was part of IR’s well-regarded SD series, which included models ranging from 60 to 120 inches in drum width. With an operating weight of approximately 15,000 lbs and a drum width of 66 inches, the SD-70 offered a balance of maneuverability and compaction force, making it popular among municipal contractors and rental fleets.
Following Ingersoll Rand’s divestment of its road machinery division to Volvo Construction Equipment in 2007, parts support for legacy IR machines became more fragmented. While Volvo continued to support many SD-series models, sourcing specific components—especially wheels and undercarriage parts—has become increasingly difficult.
Understanding the Wheel Configuration
The SD-70 features a single vibratory drum at the front and a standard pneumatic tire at the rear for propulsion and steering. The rear wheel is mounted on an 8-lug hub, a configuration common to many mid-size compactors but not universal. The wheel must match both the bolt pattern and offset to ensure proper fitment and load distribution.
Key specifications to confirm before sourcing:

• Bolt pattern: 8-lug, typically 8 on 6.5" or 8 on 170mm
  
• Hub bore diameter: Must match the axle flange precisely
  
• Offset: Determines how far the wheel sits from the hub centerline
  
• Rim size: Usually 15"–17.5", depending on tire type
  
• Load rating: Must exceed the rear axle’s maximum static and dynamic load
  

Using an incorrect wheel can lead to premature bearing wear, steering instability, or even axle damage under vibration.
Challenges in Finding OEM Wheels
With the SD-70 no longer in production and IR’s road division absorbed into Volvo CE, original part numbers may be obsolete or difficult to trace. Dealers often rely on legacy catalogs or cross-reference systems to identify compatible wheels. In some cases, aftermarket suppliers or salvage yards offer used wheels from parted-out machines.
Operators have reported success contacting regional equipment dealers who specialize in older IR models. For example, Cook Equipment in North Carolina was noted as having SD-70 units with wheels still attached. These dealers may not list parts online but can provide accurate matches based on serial numbers and photos.
Field Tips for Identifying and Matching Wheels
When sourcing a replacement wheel:

• Photograph the existing wheel and hub from multiple angles
  
• Measure bolt circle diameter and center bore with calipers
  
• Count lug holes and confirm thread pitch
  
• Check for stamped part numbers or manufacturer marks on the rim
  
• Compare with wheels from similar IR models like the SD-100 or SD-40
  

If no markings are visible, bring the wheel to a tire shop or machine shop for reverse engineering. Some shops can fabricate adapter plates or modify rims to match unusual bolt patterns, though this should only be done by certified professionals.
Anecdotes from the Field and Lessons Learned
One operator in South Carolina shared that his SD-70 had been parked for months due to a missing rear wheel. After weeks of searching, he discovered that a local college maintenance yard had a similar machine with compatible wheels. A quick swap and a few hours of cleaning later, the compactor was back in service.
Another contractor recalled sourcing a wheel from a decommissioned IR SD-100, only to find that the offset was incorrect. The wheel rubbed against the frame during turns, forcing a costly rework. He now keeps a detailed log of wheel specs for every machine in his fleet.
Recommendations for Long-Term Support
To ensure continued uptime for legacy IR compactors:

• Maintain a parts log with photos, dimensions, and serial numbers
  
• Build relationships with regional dealers and salvage yards
  
• Stock critical wear items like wheels, bearings, and hydraulic seals
  
• Consider fabricating a spare wheel if sourcing proves impossible
  
• Join equipment forums and user groups to share sourcing leads
  

For fleet managers, investing in a digital archive of parts diagrams and service manuals can save hours during emergency repairs.
Conclusion
The Ingersoll Rand SD-70 remains a capable soil compactor, but sourcing replacement wheels requires diligence and creativity. With the original manufacturer support now fragmented, operators must rely on measurements, photos, and community knowledge to find compatible parts. Whether through salvage, fabrication, or dealer outreach, the key is persistence—and a willingness to dig as deep as the machine itself.