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Knowledge center Mechanical Equipment Buying wheels | What should you pay attention to?Buying wheels | What should you pay attention to?
Written by Rene Mondt | Last update: 23-6-2021
Many tools for crop processing, such as Danish trolleys, tilt buckets and (dirt) containers, are equipped with wheels. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, it is important to choose the right wheels. After all, the wheels affect various factors such as bearing capacity, shock resistance and noise level. But how do you choose the right wheels? In this article, our specialist explains this.
Bearing capacity of wheels
The more you want to transport, the more bearing capacity the wheels need to have. If you want to move a full dirt container weighing 300 kg (with 4 wheels), then the wheels need to be able to handle this. You calculated the required bearing capacity per wheel by dividing the total weight by 3. You divide by 3 rather than by 4, because with an uneven surface, only 3 wheels are often touching the surface, and these wheels may not collapse under the weight. So in this example, you need wheels with a bearing capacity of 300:3 = 100 kg.
Size and width
It is also important to choose the right size and width. The larger the wheel, the easier it moves and the less force it takes to get the wheel moving. Large wheels can be convenient if you need to get across obstacles such as thresholds. When it comes to the width: the narrower the wheel, the more maneuverable it is. Wider wheels, in turn, are more suitable for uneven surfaces.
Material of the wheels
Wheels are available in various types of materials. Which material is most suitable depends on the required bearing capacity, the substrate and environmental factors such as the presence of chemical substances and the temperature. The most common materials are nylon and rubber.
Most wheels are made of nylon. This material has a high bearing capacity and lasts a long time. Wheels made of this material are also suitable for flat and slippery floors, such as the concrete path, and they have a high chemical resistance.
Rubber wheels are generally suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are less susceptible to shock, resulting in a lower noise level. Air tires are also made of rubber. Air tires are very suitable for outdoor use and uneven floors. They are large and wide, which means they can easily overcome obstacles.
If you also want to use the wheels in cold storage, then pay close attention to the temperature resistance. After all, not every material is suitable for use in low temperatures.
Swivel wheel or fixed castor
The choice for the wheel type – a swivel wheel or fixed castor – depends on the degree of load and the required maneuverability. Fixed castors are very sturdy and suitable for large and heavy objects, but are not very maneuverable. Swivel wheels, on the other hand, offer great maneuverability, but are less suitable for heavy loads. Take this into account. Of course, it is also possible to use a combination of swivel wheels and fixed castors.