Why are there different materials for load wheels? Which one should I choose?

What is the best load wheel material for your pallet jacks or electric lift trucks?

To answer that you’ll first have to answer: 

What are your floors like?

Here a short overview:

Retail / customer-facing floors: choose Poly
Why? They are quiet, non-marking, and gentler on finished floors

General warehouse: choose Ultra-poly
Why? Better rolling and longer life than standard poly while staying quiet and non-marking

Rough floors / debris / dock work: choose Nylon
Why? More durable for rough, wet, or debris-covered surfaces and outdoor ramps/docks

Freezer / cold storage: choose Nylon or ultra-poly
Why? Nylon handles harsh cold-duty environments well, while ultra-poly is noted for cold performance and durability

Heavy-load / high-abuse industrial use: choose Nylon
Why? Strong, durable, and better for demanding conditions than standard poly

Extreme-duty, specialty environments: choose Steel
Why? Best where debris and brute durability matter more than noise or floor protection

More details on each material:

Polyurethane (Poly)

Ideal for display floors, carpeting, and warehouses. They mark floors the least while rolling easily and make very little noise. These wheels can be very durable when used exclusively on smooth surfaces. 

But: Poly is not as tough as nylon, and wheels are easily damaged when running over debris. Moisture, oil or chemicals will easily degrade the material.

Ultra-Poly

They are longer lasting and they roll more easily than regular poly. Ultra-poly is very hard and won't shatter if too cold; and they are also non-marking.

Nylon

A harder material that is best for cold storage applications. And Nylon wheels can support greater weight capacity. Debris on the floor does not degrade the wheel as fast. It is also the material of choice for use in environments that may cause rust or corrosion like poultry processing, and working with seafood.   

But: Nylon wheels make more noise and can leave marks.

Steel Wheels

These are best for use on factory floors where there may be metal shavings or hard debris on the floor, and where noise is not an issue. They are the strongest and most durable - best for extreme loads and rough conditions.

But: very noisy

One or two?  

Replacing the whole load wheel bracket is more time-consuming and expensive than choosing two wheels during regular maintenance.

Because we so strongly advocate changing both at the same time we created wheel kits, and they are priced at a substantial discount.  

And how do I replace the load wheels?

Follow our step-by-step video:

Quality replacement parts for

electric lift trucks  and manual pallet jacks 

Fast Lift Parts is the world's largest supplier

of after-market pallet jack parts.

Order today at www.genericparts.com

800-331-0839     *      csinfo@genericparts.com

We go the extra mile

to make sure you get what you need

- fast.

You need to replace the load wheels on your pallet jack.

Your load wheels are worn?

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to replace them.
It's easier than you might think!

Removal of worn load wheels

• Raise forks to full lift height.

• Turn the jack upside down. Here is a video that shows you how to safely turn the jack.

• Remove the load wheel axle fastener using two 3/4" wrenches (LCU) or a 3/8" Allen wrench (CF).

• Slide the load wheel axle out. When removing a badly rusted or damaged axle use a 1/2" pin punch and hammer to drive the axle out.

Always replace both wheels!

Installation of the new wheels

• Install sleeve into load wheel bearing and position washers on sleeve - one on each side of the wheel.

• Place load wheel, sleeve, and washers inside bracket assembly in line with holes in the bracket with sleeve.

• Insert axle through bracket, securing load wheel. Install lock nut and tighten. Same on the other fork.

That's it! You can also watch our step-by-step video on how to replace the load wheels.

Need to order new load wheels? We have a wide selection of different material wheels for most brands of pallet jacks.

And if you need new steer wheels too, order the pre-packaged wheel kits: 

you get the high quality wheels, and the hardware - axles, washers, etc. - comes for free. 

We recommend to have an extra kit on hand as to avoid costly downtime.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING

Get your jacks ready for the busy season with this checklist

Here are five important items for your checklist to make sure your warehouse is prepared.

1. Check your warehouse floors and outdoor loading areas to make sure the workplace is clean and clear of any obstacles. Make sure that debris and spills are cleaned and swept up so that your operating environment is safe for your equipment to operate in. Debris and spills can ruin or shorten the life of your wheels or get in the way of your loads. 

2. Inspect the wheels on your pallet jacks and forklifts regularly to make sure that they are rolling easily and that there are no flat spots or delamination. Over time, the poly or rubber on your wheels can crack or wear unevenly resulting in unstable and unsafe loads. This can cause additional stress on your machine and on your workers' hands and arms due to vibration and rolling instability. We offer convenient wheel kits for manual pallet jacks and electric lift trucks. 

3. Have you looked at the forks lately?  Make sure there are no cracks or damage as the forks bear the brunt of the load. Using a damaged jack can cause a load to shift and fall and may damage products or cause injuries to your workers.

4. Check the hydraulic pump for leaks and make sure that it is operating properly. Does it pump up and hold your load? Does it lower safely? 

5. Test the handles, levers, controls, and horn where applicable, so that you are confident everything is working properly before you add a heavy load. 

Check our website for replacement parts you need, and contact us for any technical support.

Here is a list of instructional videos of the most common pallet jack repairs:

How to bleed the hydraulic unit

How to remove corroded or rusty load wheel axles

How to replace load wheels

How to replace steer wheels

and more  How To Instructional Videos

How to replace corroded Load Wheels

How many of you have wondered how in the world you're going to replace those rusty corroded load wheel axles?  It's no laughing matter when you're face to face with many a different variation of old, broken and rusty.  We hope the resources you find in this post gets the old off and the new rolling smoothly! 

Below you'll find a link where you can follow along with our expert technician so let's get that pallet jack up and running like brand new again!

- First, you'll want to research the necessary replacement parts and place your order online.  The easiest way to get what you need is by ordering a complete wheel kit.  

These kits include new wheels, axles and the fasteners.  Here is one example of the load wheel kit on the Global Pallet Jack model 334475, part number GWK-334475-LW

Click here to see all the wheel kits we have available for manual and electric lift trucks

- Next you'll want to make sure you have all of the required tools on-hand for removal & re-installation:

• Safety Glasses

• Hammer

• Pliers

• 3/16" Pin Punch

• 3/8" Pin Punch

• Hack Saw/Sawzall

Next, follow along with this video !

Be sure to check out Generic Parts Service YouTube channel for more videos:

Remove load wheels

Install load wheels

Replace the wheels on a pallet jack

Turn the manual jack back upright

Replace the steer wheels on a manual pallet jack

What other instructional pallet jack repair videos would you like to see?
Comment below and let us know!

Blue Giant PT-50 and PT-55 Pallet Jack Parts Support

For your Blue Giant PT-50 manual pallet jack we have load and steer wheel assemblies. Wheel assemblies include bearings. Different wheel materials are available for your application.

Did you know...

To ensure maximum life from your pallet jack, always replace the parts that are broken or worn, after all parts are generally inexpensive and easy to replace!

Part # BG 103-297-A-D

Load wheel assembly

Part # BG 810-456

Hydraulic unit seal kit

What type of wheel material works best in your environment?

Uline H-2708, H-2900, H-3045 Pallet Jack Parts Support

Keep your Uline manual pallet jacks moving along smoothly with one of our convenient and cost effective wheel kits. Both load wheel and complete wheel kits come with everything you need to replace damaged or worn wheels.  

Included are wheels, bearings, axles, and fasteners. Your Uline pallet jack will be back in working order in no time!

Even better, orders placed before 3pm PST are shipped the very same day. 

Part # GWK-2708-LW

Load wheel kit

Part # UE H-2708-AK100

Hydraulic unit seal kit

Which parts do you replace regularly?

Uline H-1043, H-1366, H-1193, H-1484 Parts Support

We now have prepackaged load wheel kits for your Uline Pallet Jacks! These wheel kits contain two load wheels, bearings, axles, and fasteners. Everything you need to replace your load wheels!

Keep your jack rolling with a new set of load wheels.

Did you know...

A pallet jack does not consume oil, even after a few years it won't be necessary to add oil. The only way a pallet jack loses fluid is through broken seals. 

Part # GWK-1043-LW

Load wheel kit

Part # UE H-1043-BK100

Hydraulic unit seal kit

What other replacement parts do you regularly stock?

Prime Mover SMX45 Electric Low-Lift Pallet Truck

For your Prime Mover SMX45 electric lift truck we have prepackaged load wheel kits that include all the necessary hardware for wheel replacement.

Did you know...

Under inflated tires cause poor performance which can cause accidents. Keep a gauge handy and check your forklift tire pressure once per week.

Part # GWK-SMX45-LW

Load wheel kit

Part # PR 313799-001

Battery charger, 24 v

What other high wear items would you like to see us make for this unit?

BT Prime Mover PMX Walkie Pallet Truck

For your BT Prime Mover PMX walkie pallet truck we have load wheel assemblies, axles and drive tires available. 

Did you know...

In 1906 battery powered lift trucks were introduced. The use of powered lift trucks increased greatly due to the labor shortages caused by the war.

Part # PR 23041-00-A

Load wheel assembly

Part # PR 303624-000

Poly drive tire

How often do you exchange load wheels on your electric lift truck?

Barrett 2W2B Electric Pallet Truck

For your Barrett 2W2B electric lift truck we have replacement load wheel assemblies. Different poly material options are available for this unit depending on your application.

Did you know...

When you turn the steering wheel on a forklift while traveling forward, the speed of the rear end swing will be three times the forward speed of the forklift.

Part # BR 40350-FS000

Load wheel assembly

Part # BR 43312-FS003

Poly drive tire

Which parts do you have to exchange regularly? 

Barrett SGX 60/80 Electric Lift Truck Parts Support

For your Barrett SGX 60/80 electric lift truck we have poly load wheels assembled with bearings. Drive tires and caster wheel assemblies are also available for this unit.

Did you know...

Most forklift batteries are made with a certain number of charge cycles. If the battery doesn't need to be charged it would be best to wait and not waste one of the cycles.

Part # BR 9988-048-A

Poly load wheel assembly

Part # BR 30629-028

Poly drive tire

What is your most time consuming electric lift truck repair?

How To: Replace Load Wheels On Manual Pallet Jack

Looking to replace load wheels on your manual pallet jack? We can help !

First, make sure you have the tools you'll need for wheel removal & re-installation:

• Pin punch
• Hammer
• Pliers

Next, follow along with the video below: 

Be sure to check out Generic Parts Service YouTube channel for more 'How To' Videos:

Remove load wheels

Install load wheels

Replace the wheels on a pallet jack

Turn the manual jack back upright

Replace the steer wheels on a manual pallet jack

How To: Install Load Wheels on Pallet Jack

Looking to install new load wheels on your manual pallet jack? Let us help !

Tools you'll need for load wheel installation are a pin punch, hammer and snap ring pliers. 

Begin by properly turning over the pallet jack to expose undercarriage section.

Next, set axle into load roller bracket and install washer. Add load wheel to axle, then feed axle through load wheel while keeping roll pins in line with bracket holes. Gently knock axle all the way through the load wheel and load wheel bracket with a hammer. Use the pin punch to hold roll pin holes in place.

Finally, softly hammer roll pins in place. Repeat other side of fork.

Be sure to check out Generic Parts Service YouTube channel for more 'How To' Videos:

Remove load wheels 

Install load wheels

Replace the load wheels on a pallet jack

Turn the manual jack back upright

Replace the steer wheels on a manual pallet jack