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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.