The Pros and Cons of Using Pneumatic Trolley Wheels

June 10, 2013

Ross Castors

Views

When it comes to castors and trolley wheels for heavy duty applications, there is one type of wheel that can be relied on to do the job correctly: a pneumatic caster wheel. This type of wheel is generally made of rubber and attached to a metal hub. The inside of it is filled with foam or air, elements that assist in creating the right type of pressure to handle large loads and deflection characteristics.

Using this type of castor can be greatly beneficial in industrial applications, but there are also a few disadvantages the user should be aware of when choosing this castor over another.

Benefits of Pneumatic Castors

Shock- One of the biggest benefits of using pneumatic casters is their ability to absorb shock loads. For this reason, they are often used on applications that must carry loads across bumpy or even terrain. The castors absorb any sudden shock the load might experience during the process, cushioning the impact and often preventing damage to the contents being moved.

Outdoor- Because of their shock absorbent capabilities, pneumatic trolley wheels are used quite frequently for outdoor use. Many times they can be found on lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, and carts that are used outside. Their unique composition allows them to work well on both pavement and off road in grass, gravel, or even dirt.

Puncture Proof- One of the biggest problems many individuals have when using any type of wheel outside is the variety of sharp and pointy objects that can quickly end the life of a wheel. It only takes one sharp rock or forgotten nail to put your work on hold. With pneumatic trolley wheels, this isn’t a problem. These castors are puncture proof, allowing you to easily and safely guide them toward whatever terrain you wish.

Quiet- The soft rubber tread of most pneumatic trolley wheels not only helps to absorb shock, but also keeps the wheels quiet. This can help in improving working conditions by lowering the level of noise you are exposed to and preserving your hearing, but also allowing you to focus on other noises that may be present that could indicate problems. With these types of castor wheels on a lawn mower, for instance, you won’t have to wonder whether that grinding sound is the casters or the result of a starter gear wearing down.

Cons

While pneumatic castors work well for many industrial applications, they are not necessarily the right choice for each one. These trolley wheels require the operator to exert more force in order to begin movement, due to the deflection of the tyre and the large area of the wheel. This may be problematic for individuals who do not have enough strength to exert this starting force.

The castor wheels also sometimes call for a longer swivel lead. In most cases, this simply requires a bit of forethought before you reach an area where turning is necessary. If, however, the application requires sudden and severe turns, this may not be the best castor for the job.

Are you looking for castors for your industrial application? For outdoor work and work that requires movement over rough or uneven terrain, one of the best and most popular choices is a pneumatic castor wheel. Keep the pros and cons in mind before you buy, however, and make sure it is the best caster for your particular application.