Pneumatic wheels are often found in many commercial and residential applications. The wheel is made of rubber and is filled with air or foam that is mounted to a metal hub. The wheels are designed to be used with manual movement or any low-speed application.
Applications
The most common application for pneumatic wheels is a metal rack for trays or food, a cart to hold tools, and even for a wheelbarrow. You will commonly find these wheels in use at hospitals, hotels, and in the garages of mechanics.
Description
A pneumatic wheel (castor) consists of a black tire that will not leave streaks or marks on the floor. This makes the wheels a good choice for floors that are hard to keep clean. However, pneumatic wheels need to be allowed to move freely. If you have the wheels of a cart locked, then a mark can be left on the floor by any dragging that occurs.
Construction
A common pneumatic wheel is meant to provide a cushioned ride for any delicate objects, such as a TV or a critical engine part. They provide quiet operation because they make very little noise. They also have a swivel raceway that allows the wheels to turn easily in a confined area.
Benefits
One benefit of a pneumatic wheel is their ability to absorb all types of shocks. This means they prevent problems with hard impacts when moving a cart of uneven cement or on hilly terrain. They are good to use when transitioning from a cement floor to asphalt pavement, such as a driveway or parking lot. The pneumatic wheels are also easy to replace when damage occurs. Simply remove them from the hub assembly before attaching a new wheel.
Operation
The slow and steady movement of a cart with pneumatic wheels is necessary to achieve the best results during transport. If you push a cart too fast, then flutter can occur. This problem is easily corrected if a long swivel lead is used on the hub. Another option is to slow down the movement of the cart. A cart that moves too fast can cause damage to the wheels and to any items being transported.
Capacity Ratings
The capacity rating of a pneumatic wheel is based on the load weight being moved and the air pressure or tire inflation. If foam-filled pneumatic wheels are being used, then air pressure is not a concern. This means that you should not move more weight than the capacity rating recommends.
Foam-Filled Wheels
Foam that is used as an alternative to air provides additional benefits. Wheels filled with foam often last longer than air-filled wheels and do not require refilling when air pressure is low. The lack of air in the wheels means that less effort is needed to move a cart. This can lead to increased productivity.
Locking Ability
The hub used with a pneumatic wheel has a locking mechanism used to keep a cart from moving. Carts with locked pneumatic wheels can remain stationary for any length of time.