Inflated Benefits? Comparing Pneumatic Wheels vs. Cushion Tread Wheels.
Pneumatic wheels have many advantages, but cushion tread wheels are also an option.
When you think of a caster, you probably imagine a caster wheel that is solid and made of various materials such as iron, steel, or polyurethane. A pneumatic wheel is different. They’re made of rubber, filled with air or foam, and fit snugly against a metal hub when properly inflated. You can find these in numerous styles, sizes, and capacities to suit your needs, and they are just as common in outdoor heavy duty caster wheels applications as in light-duty industries.
Pneumatic Wheels
Casters with pneumatic wheels, also known as pneumatic tires, offer a softer alternative than most industrial caster wheels. The pneumatic tires cushion the load and roll over obstructions with ease. These casters provide longer wheel life, less maintenance, and high shock absorbency. They are also excellent for outdoor use, especially on rough or uneven surfaces like gravel or cracked cement.
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Cushion Tread Wheels
In the field of ground service equipment related to military operations, a pneumatic tire’s benefits may not be required. Recognizing the military’s need for a versatile and reliable solid rubber tired wheel, AEROL developed a line of Cushion Tread Wheels. The tire has a soft core of heat-resistant rubber to provide maximum shock mitigation and a tough rubber cover to ensure long wear. These wheels comply with all dimensional and performance requirements of Specification MIL-W-21985.
The obvious advantage of a solid rubber tire is that it will not go flat even when punctured. A solid rubber wheel also has a higher load capacity than a pneumatic tire of the same size. Cushion tread wheels also offer shock mitigation characteristics comparable to pneumatic tires, interchangeability with standard pneumatic wheels used on aerospace and ground equipment, and a compact design that promotes these features in the smallest space possible.
Factors to consider before purchasing a Pneumatic Wheel
Because Pneumatic caster wheels are softer than many other options and have a larger footprint, this creates more friction with surfaces. As a result, it requires more initial force to start the load moving and maneuvering around corners. This large footprint also makes the wheels harder to swivel, and the caster often requires a longer swivel lead. Because the wheels are lighter, the chance of caster wheel flutter also increases, which can be negated by the increased swivel lead.
Considering all these factors and learning more about pneumatic wheels and cushion treads will help you determine the best option for your industrial needs. If you have any questions, the engineering staff at Aerol has many years of experience applying pneumatic and cushion tread wheels for various applications.
