polyurethane

Looking for a complete wheel-and-mounting assembly? Browse our polyurethane casters instead.

What Are Polyurethane Wheels Made Of?

Polyurethane wheels have a polyurethane rolling surface, either forming the entire wheel or bonded to a supporting core.

Polyurethane is a resilient synthetic material commonly used in industrial wheels because it offers abrasion resistance and dependable rolling performance.

There are two main construction methods:

• Solid polyurethane: The wheel body consists of polyurethane without a separate metal core.
• Polyurethane tread on a core: A polyurethane tread is bonded to a supporting material such as cast iron or plastic.

Cast polyurethane wheels use a molded polyurethane compound to create the wheel or tread.

Tread hardness, measured by durometer, influences floor contact, rolling resistance, and cushioning.

However, the tread alone does not determine load capacity. Core construction, wheel dimensions, and bearings also play important roles.

Shop Polyurethane Wheels by Construction

The right polyurethane wheel construction depends on equipment weight, operating conditions, and floor requirements.

Atlanta Caster offers several polyurethane wheel types to meet different material-handling needs.

Solid Polyurethane Wheels

Solid polyurethane wheels feature a one-piece polyurethane construction without a separate metal core.

They are suitable for applications where equipment requirements fall within the selected wheel's published capacity.

Atlanta Caster lists solid polyurethane wheels in several sizes, including:

• 4" x 2"
• 5" x 2"
• 6" x 2"
• 8" x 2"

These wheels provide a polyurethane rolling surface without an iron center.

Browse our solid polyurethane wheel options to compare available dimensions and specifications.

Polyurethane on Cast Iron Wheels

Polyurethane on cast iron wheels combine a polyurethane tread with a strong cast iron core.

The metal core provides structural support, making this construction worth considering for heavy-duty polyurethane wheel applications.

Atlanta Caster lists polyurethane-on-cast-iron wheels in diameters ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches, with selected 2-inch and 3-inch tread widths.

These wheels are commonly considered for demanding industrial carts, equipment racks, and machinery.

The polyurethane tread also helps reduce direct metal-to-floor contact.

Browse our polyurethane-on-cast-iron wheel selection to find the right diameter and load rating.

Polyurethane on Poly Wheels

Polyurethane on poly wheels combines a polyurethane tread with a nonmetallic plastic core.

This construction generally weighs less than comparable iron-core wheels and may suit applications where a metal core is unnecessary.

Potential applications include lighter material-handling equipment and carts operating on suitable indoor floors.

Compared with cast iron cores, plastic cores generally support different loading requirements.

Always check the individual product's capacity before choosing a polyurethane-on-poly wheel.

Review available product specifications to confirm core material, bore dimensions, and suitability for your application.

Benefits of Polyurethane Wheels

Polyurethane wheels offer several advantages for industrial carts and equipment.

Their performance depends on the tread compound, core, bearings, and operating environment.

Common benefits include:

• Floor protection: Polyurethane treads are generally gentler on finished floors than bare metal wheels.
• Lower operating noise: They typically produce less rolling noise than steel or cast iron wheels.
• Abrasion resistance: Polyurethane resists wear from repeated rolling on suitable surfaces.
• Reduced rolling effort: On smooth floors, polyurethane can roll more easily than some softer rubber compounds.
• Multiple construction options: Different cores help accommodate various equipment requirements.

These benefits make polyurethane wheels for carts a practical choice across many workplaces.

However, not every polyurethane wheel is non-marking or suitable for every floor.

For a closer material comparison, read our guide on polyurethane vs. rubber wheels.

Polyurethane Wheel Capacity: What Changes the Rating?

The weight capacity of polyurethane wheels depends on their construction, dimensions, bearing arrangement, and manufacturer specifications.

For heavy-duty applications, the wheel core is particularly important.

A cast iron core may support higher loads than some nonmetallic constructions, but actual ratings vary by product.

Several factors influence capacity:

• Core material and construction
• Wheel diameter
• Tread width
• Bearing type
• Operating conditions
• Manufacturer-rated load capacity

When comparing heavy-duty polyurethane wheels, always check the published per-wheel rating.

Remember that installing a higher-capacity wheel does not automatically increase the capacity of the existing caster assembly.

The mounting hardware, axle, and other components must also support the intended load.

Use our caster wheels by weight capacity selection to narrow your choices.

Polyurethane Wheel Sizes

Polyurethane wheels come in different diameters and tread widths to accommodate various industrial applications.

Atlanta Caster's listed products include solid polyurethane wheels with diameter range of 4 to 8 inches and polyurethane-on-cast-iron wheels from 4 to 12 inches.

Common diameter choices include:

• 4-inch polyurethane wheels
• 6-inch polyurethane wheels
• 8-inch polyurethane wheels
• 10-inch polyurethane wheels

Larger wheels generally roll more easily across floor seams and minor surface irregularities.

However, wheel diameter alone does not determine compatibility.

Check tread width, mounting clearance, bore diameter, and rated capacity before ordering.

Matching a Replacement Polyurethane Wheel

Replacing a polyurethane wheel requires matching the new wheel to the existing equipment.

Before ordering replacement polyurethane wheels, record four important measurements:

1. Wheel diameter: Measure the wheel's outside diameter.
2. Tread width: Check the width of the rolling surface.
3. Bore diameter: Measure the center opening that accommodates the axle or bearing.
4. Hub length: Measure the overall length of the wheel hub.

Also confirm the bearing type and the manufacturer's load rating.

Polyurethane wheels with bearings must fit the existing axle and mounting arrangement.

An incorrect bore or hub length can prevent installation or cause premature wear.

If you're unsure about the measurements, contact Atlanta Caster with the dimensions of your existing wheel or its part number.

Our team can help you compare available replacement options.

Where Polyurethane Wheels Work Best

Polyurethane wheels are commonly used on industrial carts, equipment racks, machinery, and material-handling systems operating on suitable floors.

Typical applications include:

• Warehouses and distribution centers: Transport carts, storage racks, and mobile equipment.
• Manufacturing facilities: Production carts, machine bases, and material-handling equipment.
• Healthcare facilities: Equipment requiring controlled movement and suitable floor contact.
• Food-service operations: Carts and equipment where floor conditions and cleaning procedures influence wheel selection.

Smooth indoor floors are often suitable for polyurethane wheels.

However, wet conditions, chemicals, cold storage, and outdoor surfaces require additional consideration.

Check chemical compatibility, temperature limitations, and floor conditions before selecting a wheel for these environments.

Browse our warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing solutions for related applications.

Need Help Choosing a Polyurethane Wheel?

Find the right polyurethane wheels for your equipment with help from Atlanta Caster & Equipment.

Whether you need a single replacement wheel, bulk quantities, or custom wheel solutions, our team can help you review the available options.

Call 800-526-3087 or contact us with your wheel measurements, photos, or part number.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are polyurethane wheels better than rubber?

Polyurethane wheels generally offer lower rolling resistance and greater abrasion resistance on smooth floors. Rubber wheels typically provide more cushioning. The better choice depends on equipment weight, floor conditions, and noise requirements.

2. Can polyurethane wheels be used outdoors?

Some polyurethane wheels can be used outdoors on suitable paved surfaces. However, exposure to rough ground, debris, moisture, and temperature can affect performance. Always check the manufacturer's environmental recommendations.

3. How long do polyurethane wheels last?

Service life depends on loading, usage frequency, floor conditions, and maintenance. Excessive weight, debris, chemicals, and heat can accelerate wear. Replace wheels showing cracks, separation, flat spots, or significant tread damage.

4. Do polyurethane wheels mark floors?

Some polyurethane wheels are designed for non-marking performance, but not every polyurethane compound provides this benefit. Tread formulation and floor conditions matter. Check the product specifications before selecting wheels for finished floors.