In demanding industrial environments where forklifts are required to transport heavy loads over long hours of operation, polyurethane forklift wheels designed for high load capacity and low wear have become the ideal solution. These wheels offer a balanced combination of strength, durability, and floor protection, making them a preferred choice in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and logistics warehouses.
Forklift Wheel Characteristics
1. High Load Capacity
Polyurethane forklift wheels are specially formulated to withstand extremely high static and dynamic loads without deformation. The core, typically made of steel or cast iron, provides structural integrity, while the polyurethane tread offers excellent support under pressure. This makes them suitable for electric and internal combustion forklifts handling loads ranging from light packages to multi-ton pallets.
Key features:
High load-bearing design suitable for heavy-duty applications
Reinforced bonding between tread and core to prevent separation
Even load distribution for enhanced operational safety
2. Low Wear and Extended Lifespan
One of the biggest advantages of polyurethane wheels is their exceptional resistance to abrasion and wear. Advanced polyurethane compounds used in their construction minimize material degradation, even when exposed to rough surfaces, chemicals, oil, or frequent stopping and starting.
Advantages:
Reduced tread wear for longer service intervals
Resistance to cuts, tears, and chipping
Excellent fatigue strength for continuous use
3. Superior Floor Protection
Unlike metal or hard rubber wheels, polyurethane wheels offer soft contact with industrial flooring, reducing the risk of scratches, cracks, and other surface damage. This is especially important in indoor environments with epoxy or polished concrete floors.
Benefits:
Quiet and smooth operation
Minimal floor marking
Shock absorption to protect goods and equipment
4. Chemical and Oil Resistance
Industrial floors are often contaminated with oils, greases, or cleaning chemicals. Polyurethane forklift wheels are designed to resist:
Hydrocarbons
Acids and alkalis
Solvents and water absorption
This chemical resistance prevents swelling or softening of the tread, maintaining performance in challenging environments.
5. Temperature and Environment Tolerance
These wheels perform reliably across a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions, making them ideal for both indoor and semi-outdoor use.
Typical operating temperature range:
From -20°C to +80°C (can be customized for higher ranges)
6. Customization Options
High load and low wear polyurethane forklift wheels can be tailored based on:
Tread hardness (usually between 85A to 95A Shore)
Wheel diameter and width
Core material (steel, aluminum, or cast iron)
Mounting type (press-fit, bolt-on, keyway)
These options ensure compatibility with different forklift models and application-specific requirements.
Forklift Wheel Structures
The structure of forklift wheel mainly includes screw jacket, wheel core, and tyre. The tire is made of polyurethane material, and the wheel core is available in three materials: aluminum, stainless steel and iron.
※ According to the required drawings, the corresponding polyurethane, inner core, screw sheath (helicoil), bearings, etc.
Different Models of Forklift Wheels
| Steel Core Forklift Wheel | Aluminum Core Forklift Wheel |
| D500*W200 | D350*W70 |
| Load Capacity: 1800kg | Load Capacity:800kg |
| Speed:180m/min | Speed: 80m/min |
High load and low wear polyurethane forklift wheels provide a highly durable, efficient, and floor-friendly solution for modern material handling. With their impressive load capacity, abrasion resistance, and versatility, they help reduce maintenance costs, increase uptime, and enhance the safety of both workers and infrastructure. For businesses aiming to optimize their forklift performance, these wheels are a proven, cost-effective investment.
