Pneumatic tires are a popular wheel option in industrial caster applications, but cushion tread wheels are a great alternative, depending on the application. Pneumatic tires are wheels with a metal hub and a rubber tire. Instead of being solid, the tire is filled with air or foam to the desired pressure level to achieve the appropriate load and deflection characteristics.
A cushion tread tire has a soft, heat-resistant rubber core and a tough, durable rubber cover.
There are many benefits to using a pneumatic wheel or a cushion tread wheel, depending on your application. Let’s first look at the pros and cons of using pneumatic tires:
Pneumatic tires have many benefits in industrial caster applications. The main benefit is the ability to absorb shock loads from impacts and cushion the load.
Adding cushion tread wheels into the mix can be a cost-effective choice under the right circumstances, especially in indoor applications.
Cushion tread wheels offer shock mitigation comparable to pneumatic wheels; they don’t go flat and comply with all dimensional and performance requirements of Specification MIL-W-21985.
Cushion tread wheels also allow for higher loads vs. size when compared to pneumatic. You can go up to a 28-inch tread — double the capacity of pneumatic tires of the same size. However, for higher speeds, pneumatic wheels are the way to go.
In short, pneumatic tires can provide great benefits such as shock absorption, higher speeds, and the ability to go off-road. The drawbacks are that they are a little harder to get moving, and their extended leads also present an increased chance of flutter. If load capacity is a concern, cushion tread wheels may be the better choice as they can handle heavier loads. Taking these factors into consideration when deciding on a pneumatic wheel or a cushion tread wheel greatly increases your chances of success.
If you have any other questions regarding choosing the right wheel for your application, contact us for more information.