Industrial Wheel Maintenance and Selection - Keep industrial steel wheels in their best working condition

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Industrial Wheel Maintenance and Selection - Keep industrial steel wheels in their best working condition

March 17, 2023

The service life of industrial wheels can be extended by following best practices in steel wheel operation and maintenance.

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Flanged track wheels are used to transfer heavy loads in industries such as forestry, wood processing, mining, and manufacturing. Buying and maintaining wheels are major expenses in any transfer cart operation. Buying the right type of wheel for the job is essential—a higher quality wheel will pay off with its extended service life and decreased chance of early failure. The service life of industrial wheels can be further extended by following best practices in operation and maintenance.

Follow our tips to get the best value for your wheels.

1. Select the right wheel for the application

The first—and most important step—is in selecting the right cart wheel for the application. A steel wheel should facilitate controlled, efficient movement of heavy duty machinery. Mismatched wheels have the opposite effect, risking failure that can damage operating equipment or pose a safety hazard. Industrial wheels of the wrong composition or size lead to work slowdowns and safety risks. Whether purchasing standard, customized, or fully custom wheels, keep in mind the wheel’s final application and function.

For safe operation, it is critical to choose a wheel that facilitates controlled, efficient movement along the track.

2. Select the best material for your wheel

A suitable material for an industrial wheel is based on the application’s environmental and operating condition. Steel wheels provide decent rust and corrosion resistance, but may not be appropriate for consistently damp or salty environments. In more extreme applications, stainless steel wheels or custom galvanized wheels will be required. Within those broad categories, there are many grades with varying levels of hardness and corrosion resistance.

If the wheel application will be operating in high temperatures, there are select metal grades that fare better in high-temperature environments. Such environments have specific requirements, and it is best to consult an engineer.

3. Handle track wheels with care

Track wheels should always be handled and stored with care. Any scrapes or notches that damage the wheel’s surface interfere with corrosion protection and lead to decreased service life. Once a wheel begins to rust, it requires intensive maintenance or will need to be replaced altogether. Prevention is the best approach for preserving the integrity of the wheel.

4. Adhere to safe working loads

Exceeding load limitations is extremely unsafe and destructive to steel cart wheels. Whether single- or double-flanged, cart wheels can flatten with excessive loads. An over-loaded cart runs the risk of breaking the wheel’s flanges causing significant damage to the track. In order to prevent the dangers of over-loading, be sure to check the industrial wheel’s safe working load, and compare it to the manufacturer’s limitations. A poorly planned wheel assembly is a hazard with the potential to harm operators and bystanders, as well as force operations to shut down.

Load limitations must be followed when transporting goods to prevent accidents, as well as damage to the wheel or track.

5. Adhere to speed limits

Steel or iron, flanged or flat-faced—any type of cart wheel is compromised when operating at speeds that exceed suggested speed limits. In addition to being dangerous, excessive speeds will shorten the service life of the wheel by exasperating wear and tear.

6. Keep tracks aligned and level

Tracks are just as integral for wheel operation as the wheels themselves. Misaligned tracks create issues such as side-loading that cause damage to the flanges, and shear-loading that cause damage to the material being transported. The rail joints also require special attention as faulty joints can present problems for flanged wheels.

7. Select the right bearing or bushing

Bearings and bushings minimize the friction between a wheel and axle by using a rolling or sliding mechanism. They help to reduce material degradation and prolong the lifespan of industrial wheels. There are a variety of sizes and materials to choose from to suit each application. Bearings are typically more suitable for heavy-duty wheels with higher velocities and lighter loads. Bushings are best for heavier loads at slower speeds.

Bearings extend the lifespan of steel wheels by using a rolling mechanism to reduce the friction between the wheel and axle.

8. Ensure consistent lubrication

Lubrication is used on bearing and bushing surfaces where they meet the axel. Lubrication can be in the form of grease, oil, or water. It is important to be aware of the lubrication period that suits your wheel application. Regular maintenance will help to ensure that lubrication is always present. Furthermore, the operating environment will also make a difference. Wheels that operate in hot conditions will require lubrication with a high heat tolerance.

9. Inspect and maintain cart wheels

Always consult Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and transfer cart manufacturer guidelines for inspecting and maintaining cart wheels. Consistent maintenance is essential for safe and reliable track wheel operation, especially in shock-loading applications.

Maintenance should include regular monitoring, diagnostics, adjustment, and repair:

Wear of the flange tip
Radial cracking
Spalling on the tread surface
Scaled wheels
Notching
Pitting

Industrial wheels with any cracking, severe pitting, or notching should be taken out of service immediately. Wheels with less severe damage can be cleaned or machined back into working order.

Prevention of rust and damage is key in industrial wheel maintenance as steel wheels with cracking or pitting will need to be taken out of service.

Steel wheels realize a long lifespan when they are suitable for the operating environment, load capacity, and track condition. Bearings and bushings and the right lubrication will also alleviate metal degradation and material wear, making industrial wheel maintenance more manageable.

@reliancefoundry #reliancefoundry #industrialwheels #bearings #bushings

Company: Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd.