Wheel guard for compactor wheel

A compactor wheel comprising:

• a rim having a circumferential surface, a first edge, and a second edge;
• a plurality of cleats radially extending from the circumferential surface;
• and
• a plurality of wheel guards secured between circumferentially adjacent cleats of the plurality of cleats provided proximate to the first edge of the rim, the plurality of wheel guards and the circumferentially adjacent cleats forming a barrier around the circumference of the rim, wherein each wheel guard of the plurality of wheel guards includes:
• a guard member disposed on the compactor wheel, the guard member having:
• a first end and a second end;
• a first side having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is offset from the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion define a first stepped recess therein;
• a second side disposed opposite to the first side;
• the first portion having a first cross-sectional thickness and the second portion having a second cross-sectional thickness such that the second cross-sectional thickness is lesser than the first cross-sectional thickness;
• and
• the first portion having a first top surface and the second portion having a second top surface, wherein the second top surface is offset from the first top surface such that the first top surface and the second top surface define a second stepped recess therein;
• a base plate overlaid upon and coupled to the second stepped recess;
• and
• a wear pad coupled to the base plate.

A compactor comprising:

• a frame;
• a power source disposed on the frame;
• an operator cabin disposed on the frame;
• a plurality of compactor wheels adapted to propel the compactor on a ground surface, each compactor wheel of the plurality of compactor wheels including:
• a rim having a circumferential surface, a first edge, and a second edge;
• a plurality of cleats radially extending from the circumferential surface;
• a plurality of wheel guards secured between circumferentially adjacent cleats of the plurality of cleats provided proximate the first edge of the rim, the plurality of wheel guards and the circumferentially adjacent cleats forming a barrier around the circumference of the rim, wherein each wheel guard of the plurality of wheel guards includes:
• a guard member disposed on the compactor wheel, the guard member having:
• a first end and a second end;
• a first side having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is offset from the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion define a first stepped recess therein;
• a second side disposed opposite to the first side;
• the first portion having a first cross-sectional thickness and the second portion having a second cross-sectional thickness such that the second cross-sectional thickness is lesser than the first cross-sectional thickness;
• and
• the first portion having a first top surface and the second portion having a second top surface, wherein the second top surface is offset from the first top surface such that the first top surface and the second top surface define a second stepped recess therein;
• a base plate overlaid upon and coupled to the second stepped recess;
• and
• a wear pad coupled to the base plate.