Polyurethane Tyres & Wheels for Clamp AGV Forklifts

Polyurethane (PU) tyres/wheels have become a preferred choice for modern material‑handling vehicles. When applied to polyurethane tyres/wheels on clamp AGV forklifts, polyurethane delivers a combination of load capacity, durability, and floor protection that conventional rubber or nylon solutions often cannot match. This article outlines the advantages, design considerations, performance expectations, maintenance tips, and selection checklist for polyurethane tyres/wheels in clampAGV forklift applications.

Why Polyurethane Tyres/Wheels for Clamp AGV Forklift?

1. High load capacity and fatigue resistance: PU formulations maintain structural integrity under heavy, repeated loads, which is essential for clamp forklifts that exert concentrated forces.

2. Excellent abrasion resistance: Polyurethane resists wear far better than natural rubber, extending service life in high‑cycle AGV environments.

3. Floor protection and low marking: PU is gentler on concrete and epoxy floors than steel or hard nylon, reducing maintenance and downtime from floor repairs.

4. Low noise and vibration damping: Polyurethane reduces operational noise and dampens shocks, improving working conditions and protecting delicate cargo.

5. Chemical and oil resistance: Many PU compounds tolerate oils, greases, and common warehouse chemicals better than rubber, lowering premature degradation.

Specific Advantages for Clamp AGV Forklifts

Clamp AGVs impose unusual lateral and point loads during clamping and turning. Polyurethane wheels deliver:
1. Stable traction with controlled slip, important for secure clamping without damaging loads.

2. Edge wear resistance for wheels that experience side loading during turns or when the clamp contacts the ground.

3. Optimized rolling resistance, which helps preserve battery life on battery-powered AGVs.

Design and Material Considerations

1. Hardness: Choose an appropriate Shore hardness (typical industrial ranges fall roughly between 85A and 98A) to balance load bearing, ride comfort, and floor protection. Harder compounds increase load capacity and wear resistance; softer compounds improve grip and shock absorption.

2. Tread profile: Flat or slightly crowned treads distribute load evenly; flanged or V‑groove profiles are suitable where guidance or flanged rails are used.

3. Core materials: Steel or cast‑iron cores are common for clamp AGVs due to high lateral forces; aluminum cores reduce weight; glass‑filled nylon cores are lighter but less stiff.

4. Bonding: Vulcanized or chemically bonded PU-to-core bonds reduce delamination risk. Strong adhesive bonding or vulcanization is critical for safety and longevity.

5. Thermal behavior: Consider heat generation under continuous duty — higher loads and high-speed cycles can raise tyre temperatures; select compounds rated for the expected thermal conditions.

Conclusion

For clamp AGV forklifts and RGV applications where heavy loads, repetitive cycles, and sensitive floors meet the demand for reliable, efficient operation, polyurethane tyres and wheels are a compelling solution. By selecting the right compound, tread, core, and bonding method — and by following proper installation and maintenance practices — operators achieve longer service life, reduced floor damage, lower noise, and better overall performance compared with alternative materials.