Wheels and Castors for Different Floor Types – Which Choice is Right?
Using the appropriate wheels and castors is crucial for smooth transport and a long service life of transport equipment. The type of flooring also plays a significant role. On one hand, the floor should be well protected by suitable wheels. On the other hand, different surfaces place varying demands on the material, load capacity, and rolling performance. This article looks at which wheels and castors are suitable for different floor types and what you should consider when choosing them.
Why is Choosing the Right Wheels and Castors for Your Flooring So Important?
If the wheels and castors are not suitable for the flooring, it can lead to faster wear and tear, increased noise, more difficult handling, and even damage to the floor. To use transport equipment efficiently and for a long time on any surface, these various requirements must be taken into account when selecting the right castors.
What Factors Influence the Choice of the Right Wheels and Castors?
- Floor hardness: Hard floors usually require softer treads to reduce floor wear.
- Surface condition: Uneven or delicate surfaces need wheels with good shock absorption.
- Load capacity: Heavy loads require durable materials such as polyamide or cast iron.
- Usage environment: Moisture, chemicals, or temperature changes affect material selection.
Wheels and Castors for Various Floor Types
1. Smooth and Hard Floors
For hard and smooth floors such as concrete, tiles, or epoxy resin, wheels must roll easily. Due to the low rolling resistance, there’s minimal surface strain, and the wheels move quietly over the floor.
Recommended Materials:
- Polyurethane (PU) wheels: Highly abrasion-resistant, quiet, and gentle on floors.
- Nylon (PA 6): Very durable, ideal for heavy loads, commonly used in industrial settings.
- Rubber wheels: Good grip, excellent vibration absorption, and low noise – ideal for noise-sensitive areas.
Typical Applications:
- Production halls with heavy machinery
- Warehouses with high racks
- Retail spaces with delicate flooring
2. Uneven or Unpaved Floors
Surfaces like asphalt, wooden planks, or cobblestones pose a challenge. Wheels need to absorb many shocks while staying stable and robust. They must also level out unevenness to ensure stable transport.
Recommended Materials:
- Elastic rubber wheels: Excellent shock absorption and vibration reduction.
- Pneumatic wheels: Ideal for very uneven terrain, effectively absorb shocks.
- Solid rubber wheels: Extremely robust, even under heavy load and on rough terrain.
Typical Applications:
- Outdoor transport
- Construction sites with variable ground
- Agricultural operations with rough floors
3. Delicate Floor Coverings
For sensitive floors such as parquet, laminate, or high-quality PVC, wheels should be as soft as possible. This protects the flooring and minimizes scratches and marks.
Recommended Materials:
- Soft PU wheels: Especially floor-friendly, smooth running, and low-noise.
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE): High grip and abrasion resistance.
- Soft-tread solid rubber wheels: Prevent scratches and roll very quietly.
Typical Applications:
- Indoor areas with premium flooring
- Hospitals and care facilities needing low-noise equipment
- Museums and libraries with sensitive floors
4. Wet or Chemically Affected Floors
In laboratories, cold storage, wet areas, and especially in the food industry, special wheels are needed. They must not only roll smoothly and quietly but also withstand extreme environmental conditions such as moisture, chemicals, and temperature changes.
Recommended Materials:
- Stainless steel wheels with PU coating: Ideal for wet, cold, hot, or chemically contaminated floors; rust-free and resistant to many aggressive substances.
- Nylon (PA 6): Highly resistant to moisture and chemicals; commonly used in labs and cleanrooms.
- Vulkollan®: High-performance polyurethane, extremely durable and wear-resistant.
Typical Applications:
- Food processing and production
- Chemical industry with high demands
- Cleanrooms and laboratories with strict hygiene standards
Top Tips for Selecting the Right Castors
- Check the floor type – Remember: hard wheels for soft floors, soft wheels for hard floors.
- Consider the load capacity – Wheels must match the transport load.
- Think about the environment – Moisture and chemicals are just as important as the floor itself when choosing materials.
- Mind the noise level – In noise-sensitive areas, low-noise wheels made of rubber or PU are ideal.