Polyurethane wheels are widely used on warehouse forklifts due to their combination of strength, resilience, and floor protection. Unlike traditional rubber or nylon wheels, polyurethane (PU) offers an excellent balance between load-bearing capacity and operator comfort, making them ideal for indoor material handling environments where noise reduction, durability, and non-marking properties are essential.
Polyurethane forklift wheels can support heavy loads while maintaining stability.
Their high tear and tensile strength make them suitable for demanding warehouse operations.
PU wheels are softer than steel or nylon wheels, preventing damage to epoxy, concrete, or coated warehouse floors.
They are also non-marking, reducing black streaks or scuffs on surfaces.
Resistant to cuts, abrasions, and chipping, ensuring long service life.
They perform well under continuous use, even in high-cycle operations.
Provide smoother operation compared to metal or hard plastic wheels.
Lower noise levels improve operator comfort and workplace safety.
PU wheels resist many industrial chemicals, oils, and solvents found in warehouses.
This increases lifespan in environments with occasional spillage.
Electric forklifts and reach trucks commonly use polyurethane drive wheels and load wheels for indoor logistics.
Order pickers, pallet jacks, and stackers benefit from PU’s shock absorption and maneuverability.
Ideal for smooth, flat warehouse floors rather than rough outdoor terrain.
Drive Wheels – Provide traction and carry the main load of the forklift.
Load Wheels – Smaller wheels located on the forks, designed to handle pallet weight.
Caster Wheels – Enhance maneuverability and turning efficiency.
Press-on Wheels – Polyurethane bonded to a steel core, commonly used in high-load forklifts.
Increased productivity with minimal downtime.
Reduced maintenance costs compared to rubber wheels.
Compliance with indoor workplace safety and cleanliness requirements.
In summary: Polyurethane forklift wheels are the preferred choice for warehouses because they combine load capacity, floor protection, noise reduction, and durability, making them well-suited for high-efficiency indoor material handling.
Urethane’s superior durability, chemical resistance, customizability, and long-term cost advantages make it an ideal material for modern industrial needs. As demands for efficiency, automation, and reliability continue to rise, urethane wheels are well-positioned to become the new standard in industrial mobility.
Polyurethane AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) drive wheels are specially designed wheels that combine high-performance polyurethane tread with durable cores to ensure excellent traction, load capacity, and durability in automated material handling systems.
In the evolving landscape of urban mobility and industrial automation, the performance and reliability of monorail systems are critical. One key component driving this performance is the Vulkollan® drive wheel — a high-performance polyurethane wheel known for its exceptional mechanical properties.
How to Select Polyurethane Wheels for Electrical Forklifts
11 May, 2023Polyurethane wheels are widely used in electrical forklifts because of their excellent durability, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to wear and tear. However, selecting the right wheels is crucia