If you are looking for a truck or trolley that can maneuver outside, on gravel or anywhere that is not a smooth surface, you will want a wheel that can take the extra punishment and still provide the performance you need.
If you are looking for wheels that can move easily over rough terrain and can take some shock absorption, then you will want to consider either pneumatic or semi-pneumatic wheels. But what is the difference in these two wheel designs and which is right for your job?
What is a Pneumatic Wheel?
A pneumatic wheel is much like a standard car tire. An outer rubber wheel is attached to a rim and air is forced inside of the wheel to provide pressure, which provides shock absorption over uneven and bumpy surfaces.
The wheel can either include an inner tube or be tubeless, and the rims that the wheels are attached to come in many different materials and have options of various types of bearings.
Darcor Pneumatic Wheels
These fully pneumatic wheels come with a separate inner tube and wheel discs of heavy gauge metal. Lubrication is applied through a nipple in the hub, and there is an option to have a polyurethane filling.
Wheel diameters include 8”, 10”, 16” & 18” with respective load capacities of 300 pounds, 350 pounds, 750 pounds and 900 pounds.
The 8” and 10” models come with roller bearings in the wheel disc and the 16” and 18” come with tapered bearings. Maximum air pressure to apply differs by the size of the wheel.
Jarvis Pneumatic Casters
These pneumatic casters with special brass plating are well suited to bellman carts and high-end institutional equipment. Other finishes include zinc plated and polished chrome, all of which resist rust and corrosion. These premium quality wheels are designed to eliminate lope and wobble while rolling.
Wheel diameter is 8” on all swivel constructions with black pneumatic rubber. The 8” Zinc plated construction can have an optional gray pneumatic rubber, and there is also a black rubber pneumatic wheel available in 10” with zinc plated construction.
Caster options include a VertiLoc Brake for when you need to lock the wheels. Capacity is 310 pounds for the 8” wheels and 470 for the 10” wheels.
Blickle Wheels with Pneumatic Tires, pressed Steel Rims
The Blickle P-wheel series are pneumatic tires with ribbed or zig-zag profiles, 2 or 4 ply rating and inner tubes. Rim options include pressed steel that is bolted or welded with a tubular steel hub, zinc plating or blue passivation. Bearings are either plain bore that is corrosion resistant or roller bearings, which are lubricated with long-life grease.
These wheels are resistant to many aggressive substances except oils and have operating temperatures of -25°C to 50°C and with a reduced load capacity can handle maximum speeds of up to 16 km/h. Wheel diameters are 180mm to 300mm with load capacities of 75kg to 180kg.
What is a Semi-Pneumatic Wheel?
A semi-pneumatic wheel can look very much like a pneumatic wheel on the outside, but it is what is inside that makes the difference. Semi-pneumatic wheels feature a dense, molded rubber with a hollow core.
The hollow of the semi-pneumatic wheel is not under pressure, which is why the outer rubber is much thicker since no air pressure is in place to push out on the wheel.
This makes the wheel much heavier than the pneumatic wheel, but it is also immune to punctures since letting the air out will not cause the rubber wheel to become flat.
Algood Semi-Pneumatic Wheels
These wheels provide a smooth ride and good floor protection with options of red, black or zinc core, black tread soft rubber tread wheels. The steel hub and ball bearing provide quiet movement and can operate in temperatures from -30F to 130F.
These are an excellent choice for dollies and light-duty stock trucks. Wheel sizes include 6”, 7”, 8”, and 10” with wheel width from 1 ½” to 2 ¾” and load capacities form 70 pounds to 250 pounds.
Bestway Semi-Pneumatic Wheels
These wheels are ideal for hand trucks or for outdoor use in garden centers or any application that requires a large diameter, light capacity wheel.
Wheels include ball bearings and offset hubs for easy mounting. Wheel diameters are 8” and 10” with wheel widths from 1 ¾” to 2 ¾” and load capacities from 60 pounds to 250 pounds.
Albion Semi-Pneumatic Casters
These are recommended for light or medium duty dollies, bottlers trucks, hand trucks or other manually operated units.
Semi-pneumatics are high-profile, solid center cushion rubber tires mounted on stamped centers with lug base rims that provide protection for equipment by providing a heavy-duty cushion.
Wheel diameters are 6”, 8”, 10” and 12” with load capacities from 200 pounds to 540 pounds.
Options include swivel lock, face contact brake and foot activated swivel lock.
Let the Experts Help You Choose
If you’re not sure which wheel options will best meet your needs, contact Douglas Equipment today. We’ll ask you a few questions about how you’ll use the wheels and help you choose a set that meet your needs.
