Referred to in the industry as TPR (Thermal Plastic Rubber) or TPE (Thermal Plastic Elastomer). This designation is for the tread material. It is chemically and mechanically bonded to a polyolefin (Type of Hard Plastic) core. This material can be made in various degrees of hardness. It is generally made hard enough to take a good amount of weight but soft enough to offer very good floor protection. It is non-marking, regardless of its color, and has the ability to flex and roll over debris and uneven surfaces, giving it a cushioned ride. This is a common wheel used in institutional and food service applications and is becoming more popular on all types of carts both in industrial and retail applications. Wheels available in flat and round treads.

Soft Rubber (SR)

Offers a smooth, semi-cushioned ride but are generally slightly harder than the Thermal Plastic Rubber wheel. Soft rubber offers floor protection against wearing, but can leave black marks on floors. Soft rubber wears on rough surfaces and can become brittle if left outdoors, exposed to the elements. Soft rubber is a more economical wheel in the smaller sizes than TPR (1-1/4 tread widths and smaller), but gets expensive in the larger sizes because its all rubber, and requires a heavier design to function, were as the TPR wheel has a "I" beam or dished out plastic core requiring less material. The standard color of these wheels is black, however they can be made in optional colors, like gray. Normally these wheels will come with a nylon or steel bushing insert, molded into the core. They are also available with ball bearings in the 1-1/4 tread width and roller bearings in the 2" face.

Hard Rubber (HR)

Hard rubber is a economical, easy rolling, durable wheel, with decent impact strength. It holds more weight than soft rubber, doesn't mark as easily, but can still make as mess out of a floor. Hard rubber wheels usually have a slight ridge down the center of the wheel from where the molds fit together, the excess is shaved off but not completely. Because these are hard wheels, the ridge can indent soft floors like linoleum and other inexpensive floor materials. These wheels usually have plain bores (possibly a nylon or steel sleeve molded in the core), or a ball bearing on 1-1/4 face wheels. Hard rubber can shatter if exposed to excessive cold like being in a freezer and taking a impact from being dropped, rolling off a dock, over an expansion joint, etc. Again the standard color is black, however specials can be made in gray.

Mold-On Rubber (RS)

Semi-soft black Rubber on black painted Cast Iron core. This wheel offers a semi-cushioned ride, rolls over debris and on uneven surfaces well and offers decent floor protection, however the tread is soft black rubber that can mark. These wheels are fairly inexpensive and are used in big numbers on trash containers, lumber and other larger retail carts. When the rubber wears down or starts breaking apart, the wheels are replaced. These wheels perform well on lighter applications but don't handle overloading very well. If overloaded, the rubber tread can split and crack, chunk off or de-bond from the cast iron core. These wheels typically come with a zerk fitting on the hub that allows the bearings to be lubricated without removing the wheel from the caster or equipment. Hubs are usually spoked. Typical sizes are 4 x 1-1/2 up to 16 x4 and 18 x 3.

Heavy-Duty Mold-on Rubber (RH)

Same basic wheel as the RS wheel except these wheels have a better quality rubber, a heavier solid web core (v/s a lighter spoked core on RS). They also come standard with Tapered bearings which reduce the rolling resistance and cut down on the stress and heat build up that tends to deteriorate and the bond of the rubber to the cast iron. These wheels are ideal for low speed tow lines that move assemblies along a production line like an Automotive Plant. Other applications may be for carts at freight terminals, warehouses, etc.

Low Profile Mold-on Rubber (LP)

Has a slightly harder lower profile, increasing the rollability of the wheel. Good for industrial applications in warehouses or plants that have smooth debris free floors. Less effort id required to pull or start up moving a cart with low profile wheels v/s standard RS wheels.

Mold-on Rubber on Aluminum (RA)

These wheels have a softer higher grade rubber than the RS wheels that is chemically bonded to an aluminum core. Offered in black and non-marking gray treads. Gray is the standard color for the 1-1/4 face wheels. Aluminum is lighter, and stronger than cast iron and is resistant to many environments that would tend to corrode a cast iron core. Good for applications that require a more cosmetically pleasing look, like retail displays, institutional equipment, etc. The 8 x 1-5/8 is a popular wheel for hand trucks, other sizes are also used in this application.

Crowned Rubber on Aluminum (RA*)

These wheels have a crowned tread made from a special formulated high tensile strength soft rubber, that offers an exceptional cushioned ride even on floors that are cluttered with debris. High Tensile strength means the rubber is very durable, puncture resistant, and is made to have very good memory, or in other words it can flex and bounce back to it's original shape without deforming, splitting or puncturing. The crowned tread increases the maneuverability of this wheel and reduces the traction, making this wheel great for ergonomic applications. This soft, flexible, gray non-marking wheel, is great for applications were floor protection is desired for use on expensive floors, marble, tile, wood, etc. It is also a great wheel for any application were the equipment they are attached to will be rolling over uneven surfaces. This is a popular wheel for vending and material handling carts being pushed on concrete and other surfaces, around amusement parks, side walks and downtown metropolitan city streets.

Pneumatic Wheels (FP)

These types of wheels have an outer Tire with an inflatable tube in them, mounted to a 3 piece bolt together metal rim assembly. The inflatable tire, offers an exceptional cushioned ride, is light weight and has a great diversity of applications including: Carts & Platform trucks for industrial, commercial and institutional environments demanding a cushioned ride. Great for carts carrying sensitive materials like Electronics, sound and lighting equipment, glass, ceramics, chemicals, fragile retail goods and is a all around good wheel on general duty carts for almost any light to medium duty application. Great for use on equipment and carts that traverse uneven floors and are capable of rolling on different terrains such as cement, black tops, dirt, gravel, rock, grass, etc. Common wheels used on equipment like, luggage carts, Hand-trucks, Dollies, Generators, Compressors, Pressure Washers, diagnostic equipment, job boxes and a great variety of Lawn and Garden equipment like; snow blowers, tillers, fertilizers, lawn mowers, Wheel barrows, etc. The down side to using pneumatic wheels is that they don't hold a lot of weight, which can be effected by the amount of air in tire, and the biggest downside is that they can be punctured and go flat, however they can be filled with a urethane foam that prevents flats, (This is expensive and makes the wheels heavy). The standard color is black and can mark floors, also available in non-marking gray. Available in both centered and offset hub configurations. This grade of pneumatic wheel and bearings, should not be used on motorized or high speed applications. Ok for light weight, slow speed applications, up to 10 miles an hour, like on a fertilizer puller behind a mover or tractor.

Semi-Pneumatic Wheels (SN)

Have a thick high profile natural black rubber tread on a Polyolefin / Plastic hub and come standard with ball bearings. Are available in centered and offset hub configurations. These wheels are used in many of the same applications as the full pneumatic wheels, but have the advantage of not going flat. They are not have as much cushion flex ability as full pneumatics and are heavier because of the thick rubber tread. Applications include; Hand-trucks, large Laundry Hampers, Hotel service carts, Janitor & Maid carts, Trash containers, Wagons, Lawn and Garden equipment, Etc.

Polyurethane on Polyolefin (PP)

A very popular, attractive, lightweight, durable wheel that has countless applications. It has a Polyurethane tread mechanically bonded to a polyolefin core. Both materials are long lasting, wear well and are impervious to water (including salt water), resistant to oils, grease, most solvents and chemicals, typically used in commercial, industrial, institutional and food service applications. Polyurethane is non-marking regardless of the color it is. Offers a semi-quiet ride, floor protection and good capacity ratings, while offering just enough of a cushioned ride for most applications. This wheel is one of the most widely used material types and can be seen in almost every industry that utilizes casters & wheels. Sizes range from 2 x 13/16 up to 12 x 3. Available in a wide range of colors, designs and bearing configurations. Because most polyurethane treads have a slight crown, these wheels maneuver well and are used in big numbers in the retail industry, on shopping carts of all sizes. Because of there sanitary properties and their ability to be washed down and hold up to grease, cleaners and solvents. they are also widely used in the food service and institutional industries. Available with plain bores, two piece press in ball bearings single precision ball bearings, and a wide range of other bearings that fit 2" face wheels.

Polyurethane on Fiberglass/Nylon (MU)

This wheel has the same characteristics as the Polyurethane on Polyolefin except the fiberglass/Nylon is much stronger than Polyolefin/Plastic and is chemically bond or fused together. They have great load startup rollability characteristics when rolling strait, however if you looking for a good ergonomic wheel that maneuvers or turns well, you may want a similar wheel with a crowned tread. These wheels are capable of medium-high weights and abuse. Because the nylon core wont rust & corrode, they are a great alternative to using Polyurethane on a Steel core. These wheels are also impervious to water (including salt water), resistant to oils, grease, most solvents and chemicals, typically used in commercial, industrial, institutional and food service applications. Available in a range of bearing options for 1- 3/16" wheels. Polyurethane tread is non-marking regardless of the color.

Polyurethane on Aluminum (PA)

Chemically bonded polyurethane to aluminum core. Has all the same general characteristics as Polyurethane on Fiberglass/Nylon (MU). Aluminum core does not rust, but can corrode when exposed to certain cleaners and solvents. May be desired over the MU wheel for the smooth metallic core. Popular wheel for wash-down applications and on carts that may be left and used outdoors. Good wheel to switch people to when they have had rusting problems with Polyurethane on cast iron wheels. Available in green and red Polyurethane. Sizes 4" x 1-1/2" to 8" x 2".

Mold-on Polyurethane on Cast Iron (PU)

Polyurethane chemically bonded to Caster Iron core. Available sizes: 3-1/4 x 1-1/2 up to 16 x 3. Tread thickness varies per size from 1/4" to 1/2". Very popular wheel used in material handling applications. Offers good floor protection, is non-marking and provides somewhat of a cushioned and quieter ride than hard tread or steel wheels. The Polyurethane tread is resistant to most chemicals, grease, oils and water. The caster iron gives the wheel considerable strength, however it can rust when exposed to water and some chemicals, and could crack in shock load applications causing failure. These wheels perform the best in indoor warehousing applications on smooth cement floors. This standard wheel is meant for use in manual pushed or pulled applications and is not meant for towline or motorized uses, If towed over 2 miles and hour, heat builds up easily in the tread and causes the Polyurethane to de-bond from the core. Roller bearings, ball bearings and delrin bearings are available. We stock Green on Black and Red on Silver. Zerk grease fittings come standard on the core and enable the wheel bearings to be lubricated without removing it from a caster or taking the wheel apart.

EZ Rolling Heavy-Duty Polyurethane (SW)

This wheel has a crowned Polyurethane tread, chemically bonded to a heavy duty caster Iron core. The crowned tread reduces the amount of friction between the tread and the floor, improving the rollability and maneuverability of the wheel. The tread is thicker than the standard PU wheel, but not as thick as the EX wheel. Having a thicker Polyurethane on the wheel helps to provide added floor protection, slightly extends the life of the wheel and helps to dissipate the heat build up between the tread and the core. The core is a heavy-duty solid web design with an oversized hub thickness, enabling the hub to be machined to be fitted for special bearings or a keyway. These wheels may be fitted with roller bearings for standard applications, or can be fitted with either Sealed Precision Ball bearings or Tapered Bearings if being used in a ergonomic or towline applications. Upgrading the bearings can also increase the performance level and life of the wheel.

Heavy-Duty Polyurethane (EX)

This wheel has a 3/4" thick Polyurethane tread, that has a little harder durometer than our other polyurethane tread wheels. The core is also a extra heavy duty design for added durability, and makes machining of the core possible for special bearings or keyways. These upgraded features make this an exceptionally durable wheel, capable of ongoing use without excessive wear or failure if not abused. This wheel is our premier wheel that we offer for towline applications. These wheels may be fitted with roller bearings for standard applications, or can be fitted with either Sealed Precision Ball bearings or Tapered Bearings if being used in a ergonomic or towline applications. Upgrading the bearings can also increase the performance level and life of the wheel.

Donut Tread Polyurethane on Cast Iron (RP)

This wheel has a Donut shaped tread or crowned Polyurethane tread, chemically bonded to a heavy duty caster Iron core. The crowned tread reduces the amount of friction between the tread and the floor, improving the rollability and maneuverability of the wheel. This wheel is good for ergonomic applications. The wheel has a black core with a red non-marking polyurethane. It come available with roller bearings, ball bearings, precision ball bearings and delrin bearings.

Solid Polyurethane Wheels (SU)

The one piece molded wheel design is exceptionally strong and completely eliminates the problems of tread separation failures. The combination of Polyurethane being a very sanitary washable material, and the smooth curvatures of the wheel make it a favorite in applications like pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, restaurant equipment, slaughter houses, institutional and medical fields. The sheer strength and impact resistance of the one piece design made from quality polyurethane makes this wheel type, one of the strongest and most durable wheels used in medium to heavy-duty industrial and warehousing applications. Offered with a plain bore designs, roller bearings, precision ball bearings and delrin bearings.

Heavy Duty Solid Polyurethane Wheels (HU)

This wheel has all the characteristics of the SU wheel, but has the added advantage of using a harder durometer Polyurethane, has a crowned tread and comes standard with sealed precision ball bearings. This really is the best all around wheel available in a 2" face, and of coarse it costs more than most other 2" face wheels. You definitely get what you pay for with this wheel. Comes in gray.

Polyolefin Wheels (PO)

This is probably the best all around wheel for the price. Polyolefin is a very durable, space age plastic. It's inexpensive, holds high capacities, has high shock load impact strength, is sanitary and is impervious to water, resistant to most oils, grease, chemicals & solvents, is non-marking and most of our polyolefin wheels have a slight crowned tread, which offers good rollability. Great for most applications not needing a cushioned ride and that will not be exposed to heat. Various sizes, bores and bearings available. Standard color is black, also available in white with a more pronounced crowned tread.

Glass Filled Nylon Wheels (MA)

Made from a blend of glass and nylon, this hard material wheel is very strong, has good impact resistance and great rollability. Tread has a slight crown giving it good maneuverability. Impervious to water and resistant to most chemicals, solvents, oils, grease and salt. Very lightweight and uses a design that achieves strength with very little material. Available with roller bearings, delrin bearings and sealed precision ball bearings. Color is Charcoal Black.

Nylon Wheels (NY)

These wheels are solid white nylon. They are exceptionally durable, have high impact resistance and are excellent for wash-down applications. Good for applications requiring a strong sanitary wheel like pharmaceuticals manufacturing, food processing, restaurant equipment, slaughter houses, institutional and medical fields. Available with roller bearings, delrin bearings and sealed precision ball bearings.

Phenolic Wheels (PH)

Made from macerated canvas mixed with phenolic resins, pressure molded and cooked to make a very hard, durable and versatile wheel. Out of all of the hard surface wheels (compared to steel) it provides the best floor protection and is quieter. Phenolic wheels have good rollability and are very popular wheels in the industrial, manufacturing, warehousing and bakery industries. It is a fairly inexpensive wheel. This wheel is capable of taking heat ranges from -50 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Special made High temperature Phenolic wheels are available, capable of taking heat ranges from -45 to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and are used in bakeries, and other high temperature applications. Extra heavy duty Laminated Phenolic wheels are also available, they offer 25% higher weight capacity and added shock load capacity. All Phenolic wheels are resistant to oils, grease, gasoline, and most commonly used chemicals, and water, however it is not recommended for wet applications were the wheel will come into ongoing contact with water because the canvas in the wheel can soak up the water and make the wheel come apart and fail. There is an unique look to a phenolic wheel that you can almost always identify one v/s another similarly looking wheel type. In the manufacturing process, the tread face is machined and there is a line down the middle of the wheel, the rest of the wheel is black.

Semi-Steel Wheels (SS)

Steel wheels are otherwise known as Cast Iron, and are made from pig iron ore and scrap metal. These wheels are cost effective and are long lasting wheels for medium to heavy duty applications. They are tough wheels that will hold up in applications that softer wheels may be torn up in. They have very good rollability, but can be abusive to floors and like other hard tread wheels, will have trouble on uneven and debris laden floors. They are capable of taking high temperatures and exposure to water, chemicals, grease, oil, etc, however exposure to these things will accelerate rusting. All steel wheels will rust and are not very pleasing to look especially at after the paint wears off. These wheels come standard with a grease zerk fitting in the hub. Silver paint is standard.

Ductile Steel Wheels (DS)

Made from the same materials as the standard Semi-steel wheels, but have a higher content of steel scrap and also have carbon added to them. Ductile wheels are capable of taking greater weights, heat, shock loads and abuse, than standard Semi/Steel wheels. The design of these wheels are extra heavy-duty with a thick tread and enlarged heavy-duty, solid web core, with an oversized hub, enabling it to be machined, to be fitted for special bearings or a keyway. These wheels may be fitted with roller bearings for standard applications, or can be fitted with either Sealed Precision Ball bearings or Tapered Bearings. Upgrading the bearings can increase the performance level and life of the wheel. The tread face, is machined for a consistent flat surface. Grease zerk fitting comes standard. Come with painted Red finish.

Crowned Tread Ductile Steel Wheels (CD)

Same features as the flat tread Ductile wheel except, the crowned tread improves the roll-ability and maneuverability of the wheel.

Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Wheels (HS)

Same characteristics as Semi-Steel, but has thicker walls and a stoked hub design. Capable of taking more weight and shock load capacity than standard Semi-Steels wheels.

Cast Iron "V" Groove Wheels

Made for use on inverted Angle-Iron track, but can also be used as a standard wheel on flat surfaces, or both. Groove is machined at 90 degrees and has a relief slot at the end of the groove. Typically used in manufacturing plants, industrial and warehousing facilities on towline or other track applications. Available with both 7/8 & 1-3/8" groove widths. Painted black. Zerk grease fitting in the hub, is standard. Capable of taking high temperatures.

Glass-Filled Nylon V-Groove Wheels

Glass-Filled Nylon wheels are weather resistant and impervious to water. They will not rust, and are perfect for use outdoors or in wash-down applications. Made for use on inverted Angle-Iron track, but can also be used as a standard wheel on flat surfaces, or both. Groove is machined at 90 degrees and has a relief slot at the end of the groove. Typically used in manufacturing plants, industrial and warehousing facilities on towline or other track applications. Available with 7/8" groove width.

Ductile Steel V-Groove Wheels

Made from the same materials as the standard Semi-steel wheels, but have a higher content of steel scrap and also have carbon added to them. Ductile wheels are capable of taking greater weights, heat, shock loads and abuse, than standard Semi/Steel wheels. The design of these wheels are extra heavy-duty with a thick tread and enlarged heavy-duty, solid web core, with an oversized hub, enabling it to be machined, to be fitted for special bearings or a keyway. These wheels may be fitted with roller bearings for standard applications, or can be fitted with either Sealed Precision Ball bearings or Tapered Bearings. Upgrading the bearings can increase the performance level and life of the wheel. Made for use on inverted Angle-Iron track, but can also be used as a standard wheel on flat surfaces, or both. Groove is machined at 90 degrees and has a relief slot at the end of the groove. Typically used in manufacturing plants, industrial and warehousing facilities on towline or other track applications. Available with both 7/8 & 1-3/8" groove widths. Painted Red, zerk grease fitting is standard.

Donut Tread Polyurethane on Aluminum Wheels

This is an exceptional wheel for continuous towline applications and was developed specifically for Automotive manufacturing lines. Specially formulated high grade Urethane is chemically and mechanically bonded to a strong aluminum core, to prevent tread separation and failure. Wheels come standard with a crowned or "donut" tread with sealed precision 6203 bearings, for increased mobility and maneuverability. Offers excellent floor protection and is capable of rolling over small debris. Aluminum core prevents rusting and has an attractive appearance. When fitted into a caster with a 1/2" axle, the 6203 bearings should be used in conjunction with "top hat" (flanged) bushings.