Choosing the right wheel is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. The right wheel balances environmental conditions, operational requirements, ergonomics, and other factors. At RWM, our polyurethane wheels are a popular solution for outdoor applications because they offer the optimal balance required to deliver reliable performance.
Why Choose Polyurethane Wheels for Outdoor Use?
There are plenty of reasons to select polyurethane wheels for your outdoor applications. Polyurethane is exceptionally resistant to wear and tear. Its chemical composition protects the wheel from a wide range of damage caused by weather and temperature, as well as surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, grass, gravel, etc.
RWM’s polyurethane wheels are engineered to provide exceptional performance in rough outdoor conditions. They are among our most durable options and will easily resist damage caused by asphalt, concrete, rough tile, gravel, etc. This makes them ideal for use in construction sites, industrial yards, warehouses, special event venues, etc.
Notably, polyurethane wheels resist moisture, chemicals, and exposure to extreme temperatures. This means they will provide reliable performance regardless of season. When you choose polyurethane, performance will not be negatively affected by exposure to sun, rain, snow, or ice. By comparison, rubber and plastic wheels can degrade or warp under these conditions, while metal wheels can rust and corrode.
Finally, one of the most important benefits is load capacity. Polyurethane wheels have exceptionally high load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for transporting heavy equipment, carts, vehicles, and more. In this regard, they are similar to metal wheels that are also designed to handle heavy-duty loads. However, the load-bearing capacity of polyurethane wheels is not affected by weather conditions as it can be with metal wheels.
Comparing Polyurethane Wheels With Other Wheel Materials
At RWM, we’ll help you select the optimal wheel for your needs. We offer a full range of rubber, plastic, metal, and polyurethane wheels customized to deliver superior performance in various operational environments and applications.
When choosing wheels for your business, consider the following advantages and disadvantages of each option, including:
Rubber Wheels:
Advantages: Rubber is softer and offers superior cushioning when rolling over delicate surfaces.
Drawbacks: Rubber wheels are less durable and more susceptible to weather-related malfunctions. When used outside, they are prone to cracking and degradation that can significantly impede performance.
Best Suited For: Rubber is best suited for light-duty applications where shock absorption is critical and exposure to weather conditions and rough surfaces is minimal.
Plastic Wheels:
Advantages: Plastic wheels are lightweight and cost-effective.
Drawbacks: Plastic wheels offer lower load capacity and are prone to cracking under heavy loads or when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Best For: Plastic wheels are ideally suited for indoor or light outdoor applications without being subjected to temperature extremes, sunlight, or rough surfaces.
Metal Wheels:
Advantages: Metal wheels offer remarkably high load capacity. They deliver durable, reliable performance on smooth surfaces and within controlled environments such as laboratories, warehouses, etc.
Drawbacks: Metal wheels are susceptible to rust, so contact with moisture and chemicals must be minimal. They do not absorb shocks and can damage surfaces or sensitive loads such as glass, testing equipment, etc.
Best For: Metal wheels are best applied within controlled environments where the transport of heavy loads is a priority. This includes warehouses, factories, etc.
Making the Right Choice for Your Outdoor Applications
The team at RWM will help you select the best wheels for your outdoor applications. We’ll consider the terrain type (rough, smooth, uneven, etc.), weather conditions in your area, load requirements, intended use, desired longevity, and more.
In most cases, polyurethane wheels will be the best option because they offer the ideal balance of durability, weather resistance, and load capacity. They are among our most versatile wheels and are designed specifically to provide effective performance in outdoor environments. Notably, our polyurethane wheels offer long-term cost-effectiveness, including lower maintenance, fewer repairs, and less frequent replacements.
Choose RWM Casters for Polyurethane Wheels
At RWM, our polyurethane wheels are optimized for outdoor applications. You can’t go wrong with polyurethane when you want a durable, chemical, and moisture-resistant wheel that won’t suffer performance failures on rough surfaces or cold/hot weather extremes.
We encourage you to contact RWM Casters to learn more about our polyurethane wheels and to discuss your needs with our specialists today!
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