Forklift wheels are steel rings with rubber tires that provide a cushioned ride and traction on various surfaces. Different rubber compounds are used for different surfaces, and hard rubber is preferred for heavy loads and rough terrain. Tire replacement is usually due to rips and tears.
A forklift wheel is a steel ring with a tire glued to it. The forklift wheel is pressed onto the forklift hub to provide a softer, more cushioned ride while also providing a level of traction needed for traversing ramps and other surfaces. There are several types of rubber compounds that are commonly bonded to a forklift wheel, each providing its own unique upside and preferred usage characteristic. While similar in construction, the forklift’s steer or trailing wheels do not need to be changed as frequently as the drive wheels. Typically, rips and tears in the rubber tire component are the main reason behind the average forklift tire or wheel replacement.
The sheer amount of weight that a forklift commonly carries requires the forklift wheel to be constructed of very strong and durable material. The rubber forklift tire must also be constructed in a way that it is impervious to bursting or bursting under a heavy load. By using a solid tire bonded to a steel wheel, the designers solved the problem and inherited the dangers associated with a tire and wheel assembly. By using a pressed forklift wheel, the problems associated with a weak wheel axle or an out-of-balance wheel assembly have also been avoided.
The type of rubber and tread of the tire is dictated by the surface on which the forklift will operate. Typically, interior warehouse floors are made of concrete with a very smooth surface finish. This type of surface requires the use of a slick or slick tire to fit on the forklift wheel. The smooth tire offers maximum traction, provided the floor surface remains dry. In a freezer or cold store application, the most suitable tire for use is a tread tyre. The rubber compound is also essential for the choice of tyre. In cold or wet storage applications, the primary tire would commonly be a hard rubber tire.
By mounting a hard rubber tire on the forklift wheel, the forklift is able to operate in cold, wet environments while maintaining traction in dry areas. Hard rubber is also the choice for most forklifts who routinely operate in gravel, dirt or machinery shops that may have steel chips on the floor. For other clean, dry floors, a neoprene forklift wheel can offer superior traction while still providing good stability under a lifted load. Black rubber will typically last longer than a softer neoprene forklift wheel, however, neoprene will offer less floor damage which could be critical on old hardwood floors or showroom floors.
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