Application of Heavy Duty Polyurethane Forklift Wheels

Heavy duty polyurethane forklift wheels have the characteristics of high load-bearing, wear-resistant and impact-resistant, oil-resistant and non-marking, which can extend the life of forklifts, reduce maintenance costs, act as active wheels/driven wheels, and are suitable for scenes such as material storage and handling. The following introduces the advantages, types, and application guidelines of polyurethane forklift wheels.

Advantages of polyurethane wheels

• High load-bearing capacity: polyurethane materials have high density and can withstand greater weight, suitable for heavy forklifts and high-intensity working environments.

• Wear-resistant and cut-resistant: polyurethane wheels are more wear-resistant than rubber wheels, have a longer service life, reduce replacement frequency, and reduce maintenance costs.

• Strong impact resistance: can effectively absorb vibration, reduce the impact of forklifts when driving on bumpy roads, and improve operational stability.

• Non-marking and non-slip: polyurethane wheels will not leave black marks on the ground, while providing good grip, suitable for clean workshops and smooth floors.

• Oil-resistant and chemical-resistant: suitable for oily and chemical environments, not easy to age and deform.

Types of heavy-duty polyurethane forklift wheels

According to the operation mode of the forklift, polyurethane forklift wheels are mainly divided into the following types:

1. Driven wheel (non-drive wheel)

Function: Mainly used to support the weight of the forklift, assist steering and stabilize the body.

Features:

Usually installed at the front or rear non-drive end of the forklift.

Adopt wide surface design to enhance load-bearing capacity.

Suitable for low-friction environments such as smooth ground or storage shelf areas.

2. Driving wheel (drive wheel)

Function: Directly connected to the motor or transmission system to provide driving force, affecting the traction performance and maneuverability of the forklift.

Features:

Usually uses polyurethane materials with a high friction coefficient to ensure good power transmission.

The surface may have patterns or grooves to improve grip.

Suitable for scenes such as high-load handling and ramp operations.

3. Swivel wheel

Function: Used in the swiveling system of the forklift to ensure flexible control.

Features:

Usually smaller to reduce swiveling resistance.

A dual-wheel design may be used to improve stability.

Precautions for use

To ensure the performance and life of heavy-duty polyurethane forklift wheels, pay attention to the following points when using:

Load matching: Select wheels that meet the rated load of the forklift to avoid deformation or damage to the wheels due to overloading.

Ground adaptability: Polyurethane wheels are suitable for smooth and hard ground (such as cement, epoxy flooring). When used on rough or gravel roads, models with stronger impact resistance should be selected.

Regular inspection: Check whether the wheels have cracks, uneven wear or deformation. Ensure that the bearings are well lubricated to avoid damage caused by friction and overheating.

Avoid chemical immersion: Although polyurethane is corrosion-resistant, long-term contact with strong acids and alkalis may still affect performance.

Temperature limit: Polyurethane wheels may become brittle or soften in extremely high temperature (>80°C) or low temperature (<-30°C) environments, and special formula wheels need to be selected.

Replacement suggestion: When the wheel is worn to 70% of the original thickness, it should be replaced in time to prevent affecting the stability and safety of the forklift.

Polyurethane forklift wheels are an ideal choice for modern logistics handling equipment due to their excellent load-bearing capacity, wear resistance and stability. Correctly selecting the wheel type (driven wheel, driving wheel or steering wheel) and following the usage specifications can significantly improve the efficiency and service life of the forklift and reduce maintenance costs. When purchasing, it is recommended to select the appropriate polyurethane wheel model according to the actual working conditions (such as load, ground conditions, ambient temperature, etc.) to ensure optimal performance.