If you’re using equipment to move heavy or hazardous loads, the wrong wheels can cost time and money. They can also create a safety risk.
Polyurethane wheels provide heavier equipment with smoother, more agile movements and are quieter than hard tread wheels (phenolic or metal).
Noise Reduction
Urethane wheels are less noisy than metal or rubber wheels, which helps keep workplace noise levels low. This makes them perfect for hospitality or retail environments that need to ensure their employees are comfortable while working.
Additionally, urethane wheels are more resistant to chemical spills and harsh environments than rubber wheels. This is important when ensuring your equipment can work effectively in various environmental conditions without damage.
Polyurethane wheels also resist flat spots better than rubber wheels, so you can expect your equipment to perform well, even if it is stationary for long periods. This will save you money on replacement costs and keep your equipment operating at peak performance. This is especially beneficial for businesses that need to quickly move massive pieces of equipment across the floor.
Load Capacity
Specifying the right wheels for equipment is essential. Not only will it affect the overall performance of a unit, but the right wheels will protect equipment and facility floors from damage and wear caused by less forgiving wheels.
Polyurethane wheels distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the floor. This helps prevent cracks or dents in finished flooring and reduces the energy needed to move equipment.
These wheels have various tread thicknesses and durometer ratings to meet load capacities. They also feature a slight crown for easier maneuvering and can be washed down for sanitary applications. Durometers measure the hardness of a material, with higher durometer ratings meaning that these wheels are more complex and better suited for rough or uneven terrain.
Durability
Industrial wheels must endure significant shock and impact as a critical point of contact. A premature wheel failure can cost time and money and pose a safety risk.
Correctly specifying wheels that can endure the demands of your facility is vital to ensuring optimal performance. Urethane offers incredible durability that surpasses that of nylon or rubber.
These casters can withstand a higher level of abrasion than nylon, which is essential for warehouses or commercial environments that require long-lasting wheels that don’t break easily. They can also withstand ozone and oxygen degradation, an essential feature for facilities with ground-level ozone or other contaminants that would damage other materials. They also resist punctures and tears, an additional benefit for facilities requiring wheels with a high flex-life.
Floor Protection
If you have a cart that moves on floors frequently, your wheels must be sturdy and durable enough to prevent damage from repeated impact. That’s why many customers choose polyurethane wheels. They can withstand high-stress levels and have been proven to last three times longer than rubber wheels.
They also have a higher resistance level against abrasion, meaning they will wear down slowly. Lastly, they are resistant to chemicals and solvents.
Polyurethane wheels are non-marking, meaning they won’t leave any marks on your floor or cause scratches. They are also able to resist corrosion and work well in cold environments. They also have a low rolling resistance, making them easier to maneuver than metal wheels.
Safety
Depending on the environment and if equipment transitions between indoor and outdoor environments, every environmental variable, from temperature to humidity to the physical challenges of different surfaces, can affect the performance of your wheels. Limiting these variables is essential to prevent early wheel failure from unexpected conditions.
Choosing the right polyurethane wheel and tread can help ensure your equipment moves smoothly without damaging flooring, carpeting, or walls. This is critical in any work setting where the loss of traction can lead to safety hazards.
If you encounter frequent wheel failures, thoroughly examining your equipment is likely in order. Sometimes, a more rigorous design or a material change can be made to accommodate your application’s demands.