Large wheels are a vital part of carts. They enable people to easily maneuver heavy items. Many older carts have large wheels. This was an important feature in the days before forklift trucks. Previously, heavy objects had to be transported by hand. Some “old” sturdy cart designs are still in use today.
Early Wheel Designs
Early wheel designs for carts often had small hubs with thimbles axles. The spokes would be attached to the nave with bands or wedges. This arrangement was necessary to minimize the wheel’s wobbling on the shaft. As a result, early wheels were capable of remarkable performance. They could operate at the speeds of galloping horses.
Wheels evolved to fit a variety of different needs and environments. While they are still round, modern wheels are made of complex materials and efficient mechanical engineering. The development of the wheel paved the way for the development of chariots, wheelbarrows, and mills. It also led to the creation of gears used today in bicycles and watches.
Evolution of Wheel Design
Before the wheel was invented, people and animals carried heavy loads. The wheel helped them carry items easily and moved them from place to place. It made travel and daily tasks easier and opened trade and migration routes. It also helped them make pottery. The wheel was not used by all cultures, though.
The earliest carts used primitive rollers. The sled would slide along the ground and create friction. The evolution of this design led to grooved rollers. The wheels were made thinner in the middle and larger at the ends. However, these primitive rollers became awkward to tow and prone to overturning. Later, the wheels were made with a fixed axle, which made them easier to turn when turning. The axle tree was another improvement to improve the cart’s mobility.
Functions of Wheel
Several types of wheels for carts can be flat, tapered, flanged, contoured, and push-back. The purpose of these wheels is to decrease friction while turning. The softer rubber wheels have a lower friction coefficient than those with larger diameters and greater width. However, they may not be as stable as those with smaller diameters.
The function of the wheel on carts is to make it easier to move loads along the ground. A wheel can move more objects per unit of time than the axle itself, so a cart with a bigger wheel will be easier to push or pull. A larger wheel also means that you can easily turn around the axle.
Impact Resistance
The impact resistance of cart wheels is a factor that should not be underestimated. Therefore, these wheels should be tough enough to withstand shock from uneven terrain, and the material used to make them should have high durability. The materials used for wheels can vary, but the most common are polyurethane (Poly) and TPE.
These wheels can handle the most impact without breaking. First, however, you need to check their temperature range. This is very important, as they will be exposed to various extreme temperatures. Moreover, you need to check the type of floor on which you’ll be using them.
Rolling Resistance
Choosing the right wheels for carts is important for a variety of reasons. First, wheels can be made of different materials, which can greatly impact the rolling resistance. The hardest materials, such as metals and rubbers, can handle more force, while softer materials can be less efficient. However, while the harder materials can handle more force, they also have a higher center of gravity, making them less stable.
To determine the rolling resistance of wheels for carts, you should first calculate the initial force that a cart will experience. This initial force will be approximately two to three times that of a lighter person.
Protecting Floors
Using floor protectors on the wheels of carts will prevent scratches and mark-ups on your floors. The durable material can also protect flooring from moisture and wet conditions. They can be used on any flooring, including concrete and wood. They are easy to apply and are available in different sizes to fit any wheel size. They are made from 600 denier nylon and are water-resistant.
When choosing casters for your carts, choose the type that best protects your floors. Soft materials are not ideal because they do not withstand heavy loads. Instead, choose wheels made of polyurethane or neoprene to protect your floors while allowing you to move the carts around without damaging them.