Polyurethane Drive Wheels for Stacker Crane AS/RS

07 Jul 2026

Stacker crane wheels for boxes are specialized components designed for automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS),requiring high load capacity, durability, and low maintenance.

In automated warehousing, the efficiency and durability of material handling equipment depend on high-quality components. Polyurethane drive wheels are engineered specifically for stacker cranes in Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) handling both pallets and boxes, providing the necessary traction and load-bearing capacity for modern logistics.

Key Advantages of Polyurethane Drive Wheels

Polyurethane (PU) is the preferred material for AS/RS drive wheels due to its superior mechanical properties compared to traditional rubber or metal:

1. High Load-Bearing Capacity: Engineered to support the heavy weight of stacker cranes and full-load pallets/boxes without deformation.

2. Superior Traction & Grip: High friction coefficients ensure precise acceleration and braking, which is critical for pinpoint positioning in narrow aisles.

3. Operational Durability: Resistant to abrasion and flat-spotting, even under repetitive high-cycle operations, reducing downtime.

4. Floor Protection: Unlike steel wheels, polyurethane protects warehouse floors and guide rails from excessive wear while maintaining quiet operation.

Technical Specifications for Stacker Crane Wheels

To ensure optimal operational stability under varying load conditions, we have summarized the core technical specifications of this series for your selection reference:

Model	Diameter	Width	Wheel Axle	Load Capacity
DW19001	215	75	65	1000
DW19002	230	75	45	1200
DW19003	230	75	30	1200
DW19004	230	75	80	1200
DW19005	230	90	50	1350
DW19006	250	80	80	1900
DW19007	250	82	80	1920
DW19008	250	105	80	2000
DW19009	254	100	80	2000
DW19010	254	102	80	2900

Difference Between Drive Wheels and Guide Wheels for Stacker Cranes

Understanding the distinct roles of these two components is essential for optimizing AS/RS maintenance and performance:

Feature	Drive Wheels (Propulsion)	Guide Wheels (Alignment)
Primary Function	Responsible for horizontal travel and traction.	Maintain crane alignment and absorb lateral forces.
Installation	Mounted on the drive motor/chassis base.	Mounted on the sides of the mast or guide rail interface.
Load Focus	Vertical load and torque transmission.	Lateral (side-to-side) impact and stability.
Key Requirement	High friction and compression resistance.	Low rolling resistance and impact absorption.

Technical Tip: While drive wheels power the movement, Guide Wheels for Stacker Cranes ensure the system stays perfectly on track. For maximum longevity, we recommend using NDI-based polyurethane (Vulkollan equivalent) for both types to ensure consistent hydrolysis resistance

Conclusion

Polyurethane drive wheels are a foundational element of high-performance automated warehouse systems. By ensuring high load capacity and reliable traction, they enable warehouses to achieve higher efficiency and lower maintenance costs. As the demand for automated logistics grows, selecting the right wheel specification becomes critical for supply chain automation. Contact our technical team today!