Manual stackers are widely used in warehouses and material handling environments for moving and stacking pallets or loads without the need for power. These machines rely on hydraulic or manual lifting mechanisms combined with carefully engineered guide components to ensure stability and ease of movement.Guide wheels in manual stackers are a critical element—they steer the equipment along its designated path and help maintain alignment during lifting and lowering.
When these guide wheels are made from polyurethane, they provide:
Smooth Rolling & Stability: The elastomeric nature of polyurethane minimizes vibrations and offers a stable ride over various floor conditions.
Accurate Guidance: They help keep the stacker on track, ensuring that loads remain secure while being transported.
Enhanced Safety: Consistent, smooth operation reduces the risk of sudden movements, protecting both the operator and the load.
Advantages of Polyurethane for Guide Wheels
Polyurethane is chosen for guide wheels due to its unique material properties:
High Abrasion & Wear Resistance: It withstands constant friction and contact with hard surfaces, extending the wheel’s service life.
Low Rolling Resistance: Provides ease of movement even when the stacker is fully loaded, reducing operator fatigue.
Floor Protection: Its softer, yet durable, outer layer helps protect delicate flooring from scratches or damage.
Chemical & Oil Resistance: Polyurethane resists various chemicals and lubricants commonly found in industrial settings.
Noise Reduction: Its inherent damping properties result in quieter operation compared to metal or hard plastic alternatives.
Manual stacker guide wheels
Design Considerations
Manual stacker guide wheels typically combine a robust steel core with a polyurethane outer tread:
Steel Core: Offers the necessary structural strength and rigidity.
Polyurethane Tread: Is engineered for optimal hardness (often measured on the Shore A scale) to balance load-bearing capacity with floor preservation.
Custom Configurations: Available in various sizes, diameters, and profiles to match different stacker designs and operational requirements.
Applications & Performance
Manual stackers equipped with polyurethane guide wheels are ideal for:
Low to Medium Load Environments: Where frequent handling and repositioning of goods are required.
Narrow Aisle Navigation: The wheels’ precision and low-friction characteristics enable smooth, controlled movements in tight spaces.
Varied Floor Conditions: Their durability and design make them well-suited for both smooth, polished floors and slightly rougher surfaces.
Manufacturers often tailor these guide wheels to meet specific performance criteria, ensuring that the stacker maintains its operational efficiency even under continuous use.
Conclusion
Polyurethane guide wheels in manual stackers play a vital role in ensuring smooth, reliable, and safe material handling. Their blend of durability, low maintenance, and protective qualities makes them an optimal choice for modern manual stackers in various industrial applications. Whether as OEM components or replacement parts, these wheels help extend equipment lifespan while maintaining high performance and operator safety.
