Cart Wheel Material Types You Need to Know Before Using Them

3" Rubber Caster Sets PRESTAR ACC. WR3 for MP Series

720 THB

ชุดล้อยาง 4 นิ้ว PRESTAR ACC. WR4 สำหรับรุ่น NB

940 THB

ชุดล้อยาง 5 นิ้ว PRESTAR ACC. WR5 สำหรับรุ่น NF

2,270 THB

ชุดล้อยาง 6 นิ้ว PRESTAR ACC. WR6 สำหรับรุ่น NG-401-6

2,040 THB

ชุดล้อยาง 8 นิ้ว PRESTAR ACC. WR8 สำหรับรุ่น NG-401-8

3,520 THB

ชุดล้อยางฐานพลาสติก 4 นิ้ว PRESTAR ACC. P4 สำหรับรุ่น PB

1,200 THB

Trolley wheels, or casters, are assemblies consisting of a wheel and a caster mount that support and make it easy to move carts, racks, and other equipment. Trolley wheels come in various materials, wheel diameters, tread widths, load capacities, and overall heights to keep your equipment moving across many types of work environments. In this article, we will help you determine which type of trolley wheel best suits your needs. 

There are various types of materials used in industrial caster wheels, and each material has its own unique characteristics suitable for specific applications. Some common materials used in industrial caster wheels include:

1. Steel - Steel wheels are highly durable and suitable for heavy-duty applications. They can support high loads and are resistant to wear and tear. However, steel wheels can be noisy and may cause damage to floors.

2. Cast iron - Cast iron wheels are known for their strength and durability. They can withstand heavy loads and rough terrain. However, cast iron wheels are heavy and can cause damage to floors.

3. Polyurethane - Polyurethane casters are highly durable and provide excellent traction on smooth surfaces. They are also resistant to chemicals, oils, and abrasion. However, polyurethane wheels can mark floors easily and may not be suitable for rough surfaces.

4. Nylon - Nylon casters are lightweight and offer excellent shock absorption. They are suitable for use on uneven surfaces and are resistant to chemicals and oils. However, nylon wheels may not be suitable for high-temperature applications.

5. Rubber - Rubber caster wheels are highly flexible and provide excellent shock absorption. They are ideal for use on smooth surfaces and offer good traction. However, rubber wheels can wear out quickly and may not be suitable for heavy loads.

When choosing materials for industrial casters, consider the load capacity, the type of surface the wheels will roll on, and the specific requirements for your application. It is important to choose the right material to ensure maximum performance and longevity of the wheels.

Maneuverability

When considering maneuverability, there are 2 basic types of cart wheels. First, rigid wheels, also known as fixed wheels, can only roll forward and backward. Second, swivel casters have raceways that allow the wheel to pivot. The raceway is the cylindrical part of the swivel caster that contains bearing races, or tracks. Traditional swivel caster designs rely on a kingpin, which is a bolt or rivet that holds the raceways together. In this design, the kingpin is subjected to high levels of stress, particularly from impact forces when the equipment strikes obstacles or when heavy loads are dropped onto it. Because of this, the kingpin is a frequent failure point for traditional swivel wheels. 

Kingpinless casters are a special type of swivel caster with raceways that are not held together by a bolt or rivet. Stress is distributed more evenly, which means kingpinless wheels generally last longer than traditional swivel wheels. They are recommended for power towing applications because they can better withstand the forces generated by high-speed turning. They also handle shock loads better, such as rough terrain, obstacles, and drops. However, kingpinless wheels generally have a higher initial cost than traditional cart wheels.

Wheel Materials and Cart Wheel Sizes
Wheel material and size are crucial factors to consider when choosing cart wheels. What the wheels are made of and how big or small they are influence how easily the cart moves, which affects ergonomics, sound dampening, noise levels, and more.

Carts with wheels made of harder materials roll more easily than those made of soft materials. That is because wheels made of harder materials have lower starting resistance, especially as the load increases. Starting resistance is the force required to get the wheel moving from a standstill. Wheels made of harder materials also have lower rolling resistance, meaning less force is needed to keep the wheel moving at a constant speed. However, wheels made of softer materials are generally quieter and more comfortable to use because they generate less vibration. They can also help protect softer flooring materials, such as hardwood or tile, which could be damaged by harder wheels.

Wheel Size - Diameter and width are two measurements that determine the size of a wheel. Diameter is the height of the wheel (total height of wheel and wheel base). Generally, wheels with larger diameters and widths have lower starting and rolling resistance, making them easier to roll. They can withstand heavier loads and are generally quieter. However, larger-diameter wheels give the cart a higher center of gravity, which can make it less stable, especially when carrying taller stacked loads on the cart.

- Harder wheel material: higher load capacity, easier to start and keep rolling

- Softer wheel material: lower load capacity, higher starting and rolling resistance

- Larger wheels: higher load capacity, easier to start and keep rolling

- Smaller wheels: lower load capacity, higher starting and rolling resistance

Cart Wheel Materials

Select Casters and Wheels to suit the task you need, so that it can be used efficiently.