Types of heavy duty wheels

Types of heavy duty wheels

In the wide panorama of industrial wheels, when can we define some specific types of wheels as heavy duty wheels?

Generally, we refer to heavy duty wheels when they are used for trolleys whose total load exceeds 500 kg, but this is not the only case. We also consider heavy duty wheels those assembled on trolley whose loading capacity is lower, but they are mechanically handled.

Extra heavy duty wheels

Loading capacity for heavy duty wheels, can be generally up to 4300 kg each wheel. However, some leading companies in the field (such as Tellure Rôta, for example), can offer customised solutions on customer’s request even for higher loading capacities.

In any case, it should be remembered that handling trolleys with total loading capacities exceeding 500 kg involves specific features.

In fact, in such conditions, it is really important to choose the right wheel, as any wrong choice may easily involve breaking the equipment where the wheel is assembled. In case of a heavy load this may involve stopping the production lines, overstress the operators and also produce safety risks in workplaces.

As for all types of wheels, also for heavy duty wheels it is important to consider the floor, the environment of usage, the nature and type of load to be handled.

However, for high loads it becomes extremely important to consider the handling speed and the type of traction vehicle.

Static and handling elements in choosing heavy duty wheels

Handling speed is another key element in choosing the right wheel.

For zero speed and therefore mainly static usage, comparing the necessary load for each wheel with the static load mentioned in the manufacturer catalogues is enough.

In case of heavy loads for mainly static usages polyamide wheels for high loading capacity and metal wheels (steel or mechanical engineering cast iron) are recommended.

If speed is not 0, and therefore the equipment is intended for frequent handling, it is necessary to consider the traction vehicle: manual handling, with towed mechanical equipment or motorised equipment.

Speed element in choosing heavy duty wheels: manual handling

Handling is manual when the force is applied by one or more people and speed is usually equal to or lower than 4 km/h.

Handling is instead mechanical when the force is applied by a mechanical vehicle and speed is greater than 4 km/h.

In case of manual handling, the key factor to be considered is sliding.

Technically speaking, the rolling resistance is the value (expressed in daN) of the maximum load which can be borne by each wheel at the constant speed of 4 km/h with the application of a traction or pushing force equal to 5 daN (not including start-up force). This value is calculated by applying a traction force equal to 20 daN to a 4-wheel trolley and measuring the maximum loading capacity for each wheel during handling at normal speed.

The applied traction force, which is 20 daN, is compliant with international labour rules for indoor handling and it is widely recognised as the limit effort that a human being can bear for long periods.

Generally, the higher the wheel rolling resistance, the lower the effort necessary for the operator to handle the trolley, and therefore the trolley is more ergonomic.

“TR”, “TR-Roll” and Vulkollan® polyurethane coated wheels are among the industrial wheels for high capacity loads offering the best sliding features.

Furthermore, depending on floor, the chemical aggressive agents and the working cycles one or the other type of the suggested series will be more suitable.

The rolling resistance is an indicative value of the handling effort at constant speed. The necessary effort to move a standstill trolley is higher. In order to reduce it, we suggest using wheels with ergonomic round profile.

Heavy duty wheels and mechanical handling

For mechanical handling only polyurethane coated wheels with hub with ball bearings are suitable. Furthermore, in case handling speed is greater than 6 km/h only wheels with metal centre (aluminium, mechanical engineering cast iron, steel) can be used. Therefore plastic centre wheels must be excluded.

For speeds greater than 12 km/h, it is strongly suggested to use elastic polyurethane or Vulkollan® coated and high thickness wheels.

Further information regarding the most suitable models of wheels for heavy duty loads

For further information on choosing industrial wheels for heavy duty loads please see the specific article explaining features combined with environments of usage.

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