“Stop flat spots on polyurethane stacker wheels. Our high-hardness drive wheels for electric pallet trucks withstand extreme heat and heavy loads.”
In the fast-paced world of material handling, especially in the booming logistics hubs of the Middle East, the performance of your electric pallet stacker depends heavily on a component often overlooked: the polyurethane stacker wheel.
When temperatures in a Saudi Arabian warehouse manufacturing plant soar, standard wheels can fail, leading to costly downtime. The secret to longevity lies in two technical factors: polyurethane hardness and flange precision.
1. Understanding Hardness: Shore A vs. Shore D
Polyurethane (PU) wheels are typically measured on the Shore A or Shore D scale. For most Load wheels and Support wheels, a hardness of 85 Shore A to 95 Shore A is the sweet spot.
Softer Wheels (85A - 90A): Offer better traction and noise reduction. Ideal for light-duty Casters used on smooth, indoor floors.
Harder Wheels (93A - 97A / 55D): These are essential for Drive wheels for electric pallet trucks. They offer higher load-bearing capacity and lower rolling resistance.
2. The Flat Spot Challenge in High-Temperature Climates
In regions like the UAE, ambient temperatures in non-climatized warehouses can exceed 45°C. When a heavy electric pallet stacker sits idle overnight, the heat softens the PU material. Under a constant load, this creates a permanent indentation known as a Flat Spot.
A flat spot causes: 1. Excessive vibration during operation 2. Damage to the motor and Traction wheels. 3. Operator fatigue.
The Solution: For high-temperature environments, we recommend a higher hardness (95 Shore A) and a high-performance MDI/NDI prepolymer. This ensures the polyurethane stacker wheel maintains its circular integrity even under extreme heat and heavy pressure.
3. The Role of the Flange in Load Distribution
The Flange, the metal core of the wheel, must be precision-machined. If the flange is not perfectly concentric, even the best polyurethane will wear unevenly.
When you source a drive wheel, ensure the hub-to-polyurethane bonding is chemically optimized to prevent de-bonding, a common issue where the PU tire peels off the metal flange under high torque.
Conclusion
Selecting the right pallet stacker wheels is a balance of science and environment. Whether you are operating in the humid industrial zones of Penang or the dry heat of Riyadh, choosing the correct hardness and a high-quality flange will significantly reduce your total cost of ownership.
Looking for a customized solution? As a specialist in high-performance polyurethane stacker wheels, we provide tailored hardness levels and precision-engineered wheels for all major electric pallet truck brands.
