How to choose the right wheels for your Pallet Jack

Table of Contents

Summary

The most important decision in choosing a pallet jack is what type of wheels to buy. To help you make sure your pallet jack tires are the right ones for you, we've created a quick guide with some key things to look out for. 

Pallet Jack Wheels

After deciding between a manual pallet jack or an electric pallet jack, the second most important decision you'll make is what type of wheels you'll use. Choose the wrong wheel, and you'll end up spending way too much replacing them again and again.

It's best to start with buying pallet jacks with fixed or inflatable tires instead of pneumatic tires - only if your workplace is flat enough that it doesn't cause problems for fixed or inflatable truck wheels to save yourself some time and money in the long run.

Generally, pallet jacks with fixed wheels are more durable than pneumatic tire pallet jacks. Pneumatic tires tend to wear out after about 200 hours of use, whereas inflatable and solid rubber-tire pallets can go up to 1000 hours before requiring replacement.

Different Wheels on different types of Pallet Jacks

Pull-Type Pallet Jacks: Hard Plastic Wheels

Wheels should be made from hard plastic material for durability in outdoor environments where salt is used during the winter months.

Rubber coated steel wheel is also available if you want a softer ride over rough surfaces.

Hard plastic wheels resist cracking and splitting better than rubber tires in cold, wet outdoor environments and do not need to be inflated like pneumatic pallet jack tires.

Recommended Tire Size (Width x Tread Depth): 11”x .75" - 15"x .75" or 18"x .88".

Pull-Type Pallet Jacks: Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic pallet jacks are best suited for indoor use on level floors with no obstructions, such as pallets that might get stuck under the tire while rolling it forward or backward. They can also handle uneven terrain outdoors if they don't have a lot of weight and height on the pallet jack.

Don't use pneumatic pallet jacks outdoors on rough terrain or where salt is used in winter months because they are not durable enough for those conditions and will wear out quickly.

Recommended Tire Size (Width x Tread Depth): 14"x .75", 16”x .75” or 18”x .88". 

Manual Pallet Jacks: Rubber Tires

Manual pallet jacks have tires that require deflated, then re-inflated with air every time you change jobs using your pallet jack to ensure the durability of rubber tire material. These manual pallets also work well indoors without any obstructions, such as pallets getting stuck under their wheels while rolling forward or backward.

If you don't have a compressor or air hose available to re-inflate your pallet jack tires, it's best to get pneumatic pallet jacks because they work well indoors and outdoors without the need for inflating them every time you change jobs.

Recommended Tire Size (Width x Tread Depth): 12”x .75", 13"x .50", 16”x .75". 

Pneumatic Pallet Jacks: Rubber Tires

Having an inflatable tire on your pallet jack means that if there is a small puncture in the rubber material of its wheel, you can plug up the hole easily with a nail or other object until you replace it at home or work. However, this type of pallet jack tire is not as durable or long-lasting as pneumatic tires and should only be used indoors without any obstructions, such as pallets getting stuck under their wheels while rolling forward or backward.

Don't use your inflatable pallet jacks outdoors on rough terrain, where salt is used in winter months because they are not durable enough for those conditions and will wear out quickly.

Recommended Tire Size (Width x Tread Depth): 13"x .50", 14”x .75". 

Nylon Vs. Polyurethane Pallet Jack Wheels

Nylon Wheels

These Pallet Jack Wheels are used for pushing and pulling all kinds of docks, racks, carts, and equipment. The sturdy nylon construction makes them perfect for indoor or outdoor use, with a weight capacity of 1000 pounds per wheel. They come in several sizes that can fit all brands of pallet jacks, from small to very large pieces of machinery on the market today.

This design allows you to push heavy objects around tough terrain while making it easier on your back too! Each unit comes complete with mounting hardware, which means bolting this onto your existing pal jack will make these wheels ready.

Polyurethane Wheels

The Polyurethane Wheels are considered by many to be a direct upgrade from the traditional Polyurethane Pallet Truck Wheels. The Polyurethane Pallet Jack Wheel is generally made in one piece. It has no mold lines or seams, making it more resistant to tearing, scuffing, and grabbing when compared to Polyurethane Pallet Truck Wheels. Despite being known for its durability over time, the Polyurethane Pallet Jack Wheel eventually wears down and needs to be replaced. 

How to choose between Nylon and Polyurethane Wheels for your Pallet Jack?

When you choose new pallet jack wheels, a few key points will help determine which type of wheel is best for your application. The differences between the two types of pallet truck tires, such as nylon vs. polyurethane, can be summarized in three areas: Durability, Longevity, and Cost. These factors may vary depending on the exact use of the equipment.

Nylon wheels are far more durable than polyurethane. Nylon is less prone to wear and can often withstand impacts that damage or destroy a polyurethane wheel. In addition, nylon pallet truck tires have very little rolling resistance, so they require much less energy for the pallet jack equipment to operate, which means you get better gas mileage when using them! 

Finally, since they're heavier duty in general, they will outlast their lighter weight counterparts by a large margin, making them cost-effective in the long run. If you want to know how to replace the load wheels on the Pallet Jack in the video below:

Why Choose Pallet Jackson

If you're looking for pallet jack wheels, look no further. Pallet Jackson has a great selection of pallet jacks products that will keep your business organized and efficient. It is their goal to help make the warehouse industry more efficient by offering superior pallet equipment. 

Takeaways

• When deciding which pallet jack to buy, it's best to start with fixed or inflatable tires instead of pneumatic tires.
• Nylon wheels are perfect for indoor or outdoor use and come with mounting hardware.
• Polyurethane wheels are made in one piece, and they are more durable than traditional wheels.