Materials handling equipment in intralogistics – and why the right wheels and castors make all the difference
Materials handling equipment is the backbone of modern intralogistics. Without it, very little would move: transporting pallets, picking goods and supplying materials – all of these processes rely on wheels and castors. Wicke supplies the right components for the job.
Important: We do not sell materials handling equipment. We use high-quality wheels and castors to ensure that your forklift trucks, pallet trucks and order pickers operate reliably, quietly and safely.
What is classed as materials handling equipment – and where is it used?
When people hear “materials handling equipment”, many initially think of a forklift truck. That is correct, but the range is much broader: hand pallet trucks, electric low-lift and high-lift pallet trucks, towing tractors for tugger trains, order pickers and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). They all have one thing in common: they move loads safely and flexibly – ideal for warehouses, production and shipping.
Their applications are diverse: goods receiving, warehousing, production, assembly supply and shipping. Short distances? Use a hand pallet truck. Narrow aisles? Use a forklift or stacker truck. High throughput? Use an electric fleet with robust wheels and castors. It may sound simple, but it is not – the choice of components determines efficiency and safety.
Wheels and castors: small components with a major impact
Wheels and castors form the interface between the vehicle and the floor. They carry loads, transmit driving and braking forces, absorb impacts and determine how easily a vehicle can be steered. In short, they influence performance, safety and costs. Worn or unsuitable wheels increase braking distances, raise energy consumption and cause unnecessary downtime.
The right combination of material, diameter, bearing and tread geometry reduces wear, minimises rolling noise and increases productivity. This is exactly where our product range can help.
Components at a glance – what Wicke supplies
Drive wheels
On motorised materials handling equipment, the drive wheel transfers power to the floor. It needs sufficient grip, must withstand heavy loads and must provide stable guidance. Wicke offers drive wheels in robust designs – including versions with abrasion-resistant polyurethane treads or solid rubber, depending on the application profile.
Load wheels
Load wheels carry the actual payload. They are used, for example, at the ends of forks, on outriggers or on additional axles. High surface pressure, concentrated impacts and ramps require a dimensionally stable and durable material. We supply suitable versions for demanding applications.
Pallet truck rollers – fork rollers
Pallet truck rollers run at the fork tips and support the pallet. Single or tandem configuration? That depends on the floor. Tandem rollers distribute loads more effectively and pass over thresholds more smoothly. Single rollers provide greater manoeuvrability and require less installation space. We manufacture polyamide and polyurethane versions, among others – quiet, floor-friendly and durable.
Support and swivel castors
These castors stabilise the vehicle, support it when cornering and compensate for uneven surfaces. Side-mounted support castors are particularly important on electric pallet trucks, ensuring that the vehicle remains stable and accurately on track even under load. We supply swivel and support castors with suitable bearings and elastomer treads for smooth, quiet operation.
Wheels for hand pallet trucks
The steering wheels at the tiller end determine how easily the pallet truck can be pulled, how precisely it steers and how quietly it rolls. Polyurethane provides durability, rubber ensures particularly quiet operation and polyamide is suitable for hygienic environments – we can advise you on the best option.
Making the right choice: material and dimensioning
The optimum solution depends on four factors. Here is a short, practical overview:
Load capacity: Allow for the maximum load per wheel or castor, including a safety reserve.
Floor: A smooth floor allows low rolling resistance, for example with polyamide or PU. Rough or uneven floors require a resilient, robust tread, such as special PU or rubber.
Environment: Consider temperature, moisture, chemicals, hygiene requirements and noise levels.
Intensity of use and speed: Shift operation or higher speeds? Choose heat-resistant, low-wear materials.
Our tip: A quick check of the load profile, floor and operating times will significantly reduce subsequent wear – and therefore costs.
Maintenance: how to recognise wear
Cracks, breakouts, flat spots, uneven abrasion, vibration or increasingly loud operation are clear warning signs. If the pallet truck becomes more difficult to start moving or the steering develops play, the condition of the wheels, rollers and bearings is often the cause. Timely replacement keeps vehicles available and protects the flooring.
A targeted component replacement is often sufficient – for example, fitting tandem rollers instead of single rollers or selecting a different tread – to handle ramps, thresholds or high point loads more effectively.
How we support you – direct access to our shops
Already know what you need? You will find it here:
Go to the forklift parts shop – drive wheels, load wheels, support castors, swivel castors and much more.
Go to the pallet truck roller shop – single and tandem rollers in various materials and diameters.
Still unsure? We will advise you on which wheel and castor combination suits your loads, floor and operating pattern – quickly, specifically and independently of the manufacturer.
FAQ: quick answers
What types of materials handling equipment are available?
Hand pallet trucks, low-lift and high-lift pallet trucks, order pickers, towing tractors and tugger trains, forklift trucks and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Choose the appropriate vehicle based on aisle width, racking height and required throughput.
Single or tandem rollers on a pallet truck?
Single rollers provide manoeuvrability on smooth floors. Tandem rollers are suited to uneven areas, thresholds and ramps – providing smoother operation and lower point loads.
Which material is right?
Polyamide is hard, hygienic and has a very high load capacity. Polyurethane is quiet, floor-friendly and durable. Rubber is very quiet and provides good grip. The operating environment determines the right choice.
Conclusion: Materials handling equipment performs best when its wheels and castors are precisely matched to the application. Wicke supplies the right selection – from drive and load wheels to pallet truck rollers and support castors – to keep your intralogistics running smoothly.