How to Choose the Best Wheels for Your Dolly & Hand Truck?

Wheels are an important part of every dolly and hand truck. They directly affect their mobility, stability, and load handling. It is essential to select the correct wheel for your dolly based on the load weight, surface type, and frequency of use. Right wheels help to move heavy and bulky commodities easily and efficiently. They also reduce physical strain on the user and prevent damage to the items being transported. Know the importance of wheels in a hand truck before discussing wheel types and their comparison table.

Why Hand Truck Wheel Matters?

As we know, wheels are the primary part of every dolly as they can directly affect the safety, durability, and performance. The selection of the right type of wheel helps in smooth, sound, and efficient movement of heavy or bulky items.

Reduce Strain: Wheels made every movement of the hand truck easy and safe. Wheels help the hand truck to maintain balance, which prevents the user from physical stress or strain.

Load Support: The dolly’s maximum weight is carried by wheels that keep items safe and sound. A good-quality wheels always maintain stability and control that prevent the users and their belongings from tripping and slipping. 

Surface Adaptability: There are many wheels available in the market that can be used according to the nature of the surfaces.

Noise Reduction: A good-quality wheels can minimize noise when moving items indoors, especially where other people can be disturbed by that noise.

Now, we already know the role of wheels, then start with the different types of wheels.

Hand Truck Wheel Types Comparison

Wheel Type	Load Capacity (kg)	Diameter (inches)	Width (inches)	Max Speed (km/h)	Lifespan (hours)	Price (USD)
Pneumatic	150–500	10–16	3–6	15–20	2000–3000	40–80
Solid Rubber	100–300	8–12	2–5	10–15	3000–5000	25–50
Polyurethane	200–400	8–12	2–5	12–18	4000–6000	30–60
Steel / Metal	250–600	6–10	2–4	8–12	5000–8000	35–70
Hard Plastic Wheel	50–200	4–8	1.5–3	12–18	1500–3000	10–30

 

5 Different Types of Hand Truck Wheels

There are many types of hand truck wheels available in the market. Some common hand truck wheel types with their specifications and use cases are given below:

Solid Rubber Wheels

A solid rubber wheel is made from solid rubber material without the use of air. That is why these types resist punctures that increase their durability.

Performance Features

• Solid rubber wheels do not need any maintenance. There is no risk of leaks and punctures, because of no air pressure that pneumatic wheels face.
• They offer very low noise performance under 70dB, which is suitable for indoor movements.
• These wheels provide 40% of shock absorption for shiny and polished surfaces as compared to hard plastic wheels.
• Solid rubber wheels also minimize the push and pull efforts by 40% on hard and uneven surfaces.

Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Wheels

Pneumatic wheels are made of rubber and contain pressurized air. These wheels may also get punctured during movements. 

performance characteristics

• Air-filled pneumatic wheels provide exceptional impact protection and superb ground contact.
• These wheels also reduce or remove operator fatigue, which many low-quality wheels are not able to do.
• These wheels are available in many designs, such as balloon or multi-ply construction, which helps in reducing force spikes.

Polyurethane Wheels

Polyurethane (PU) wheels are manufactured from a polymer, a type of plastic. It combined both diisocyanates, polyols, catalysts, and additives.

Performance attributes

• Polyurethane wheels are best for chemical or oil industries, because they have chemical-resistant properties.
• PU wheels have small metal balls that offer lower rolling resistance and operator effort and increase the life of the wheel.
• Many tests about these wheels show that PU can last three times more than basic rubber wheels.
• Polyurethane wheels also provide better shock absorption, like Solid rubber wheels.

Steel or Metal Wheels

Steel or metal wheels are made of iron and carbon alloy. Some metal wheels are also called alloy wheels. These wheels are strong, durable for rough surfaces, but less stylish.

Performance Features

• Some metal wheels easily offer movements in very high or low temperatures, where rubber or polyurethane may fail.
• Steel and metal wheels have very strong structural strength, which makes them more demanding for users.

Hard Plastic Wheels

Hard plastic wheels are wheels manufactured from plastic polymers or rigid materials, such as polypropylene, nylon, polyolefin, or phenolic resin. They are stronger and sturdier than softer rubber wheels.

Performance attributes

• The temperature range of these hard plastic wheels is  −30 °C to +80 °C/.
• As Polyurethane wheels, these wheels are also chemical, oil, and grease resistant.

Before we select the best wheel for our hand truck or dolly, check the comparison table that shows exact specifications.

How to Choose the Right Wheel for Your Hand Truck?

The preference for the right wheel depends on many factors, such as surface, load capacity, and usage frequency. Some conditions are given below:

Surface

• For concrete, tile, or carpet surface, prefer solid rubber or polyurethane wheels.
• For grass, gravel, and uneven terrain, always use Pneumatic wheels.

Load weight

• Hard plastic or solid rubber wheels are used for weights less than 200 lbs.
• The solid rubber and polyurethane wheels are ideal for weights between 200–500 lbs.
• The pneumatic or steel wheels are best for weights of more than 500 lbs.

Frequency of Use

• Many wheels, like plastic or rubber, are perfect for less or periodic use, like in homes.
• The wheels, such as pneumatic or steel, are ideal for regular use, like in industries or hospitals.

Conclusion

Different types of wheels are available in the market that are especially designed according to the needs of users and industrialists. High-quality wheels not only promise efficiency and safety but also prevent any physical injury while working. The selection of wheels depends on load capacity, surface type, and frequency of use. The regular cleaning and maintenance of wheels extends their life and run for a long time.