When a reach truck lifts a load six meters high, balance becomes critical. The wheels play a big role.

Here's why polyurethane has become the standard.

Why Reach Trucks Are Different

Standard Forklifts have a lower lifting height. But all units carry loads low while moving. Reach trucks extend forward and lift high.

The weight actually shifts forward, between load wheel and drive wheels. The lifted load sits ahead of the drive wheels, creating a high center of gravity.

Small movements at ground level magnify at height:

• A wheel that shifts slightly

• A moment of instability

• Unexpected floor irregularity

The results can be dangerous when loads are suspended far above the floor.

The stability challenge:

• Extended reach during lifting

• High center of gravity

• Narrow support base

• Precision positioning required

Proper wheels help address these challenges.

What Polyurethane Provides

PU wheels offer the right balance for reach truck stability:

Steady Contact

• Doesn't squash much under load

• Maintains consistent floor contact

• Handles load shifts predictably

Smooth Rolling

• Absorbs minor floor imperfections

• Reduces vibration during movement

• Helps vehicle settle consistently

Quiet Operation

• Better communication on the floor

• Less operator fatigue

• Reduced noise in busy warehouses

Floor Protection

• Won't damage polished concrete

• Protects epoxy coatings

• Prevents floor marking

Things That Affect Stability

Know these factors for safe operation:

Load Position

The further forward and higher the load, the more weight shifts. Operators should understand:

• How their specific truck handles at different heights

• Maximum safe extension for their vehicle

• Load center of gravity limits

Floor Condition

Keep aisles clean and level:

• Remove debris promptly

• Address floor damage

• Watch for spills and moisture

• Report uneven surfaces

Speed

Sudden movements create instability:

• Avoid aggressive starts and stops

• Turn smoothly, not quickly

• Lower speed when elevating loads

Wheel Condition

Worn wheels respond differently:

• Check the wheels regularly

• Replace before failure

• Watch for uneven wear

When to Replace Wheels

Watch for these warning signs:

• Cracks, chunking, or flat spots on the wheel surface

• Difficulty turning or unexpected resistance

• New vibration or wobble during travel

• Grinding, squeaking, or other unusual sounds

• Uneven wear patterns

Don't wait for failure. Replace worn wheels before they cause problems, potentially including load drops or vehicle damage.

Replacing Wheels: Key Steps

When replacement is needed:

1. Note the wheel specifications: diameter, width, bearing type

2. Check the mounting configuration: top plate, stem, or bolt pattern

3. Verify load rating exceeds your maximum

4. Match the hardness to your floor conditions

5. Consider swivel radius if aisle space is tight

Variations from original specifications can affect vehicle handling. Validate changes before extended operation.

Extending Wheels Life

Simple steps help wheels last longer, proper additives can extend tread life up to 3 to 4 times in humid conditions like Tropical Countries or high steam environment:

Keep Wheels Clean

• Remove debris caught in the assembly

• Clear wrappers, strapping, and packing materials

• Wash wheels in busy facilities

Check Mounting

• Include mounting bolts in regular inspection

• Tighten if any looseness found

• Replace damaged mounting hardware

Avoid Chemical Damage

• Know what chemicals are present in your facility

• Verify polyurethane compatibility

• Clean spills that might affect wheels

• Store vehicles away from chemical exposure

Follow Maintenance Schedules

• Manufacturers specify inspection intervals

• Replacement criteria reflect expected wear

• Don't skip scheduled checks

• Document maintenance performed

Train Operators

• Operators should spot problems early

• Encourage reporting of unusual sounds or behavior

• Include wheel condition in pre-shift checks

• Reward proactive maintenance reporting

Choosing the Right Wheels

Check these specifications:

Load Rating

Should exceed maximum expected load including:

• Battery weight

• Operator

• Any attachments

• Safety margin

Wheel Size

• Larger wheels roll more easily

• Larger wheels increase vehicle height

• Check rack clearances

Swivel Radius

• Smaller radius allows narrower aisles

• Balance against stability needs

• Consider typical maneuvering space

Material Hardness

• Softer compounds grip better but wear faster

• Harder compounds last longer

• Match to floor conditions

Bearing Type

• Different bearings suit different loads and speeds

• Check manufacturer recommendations

• Quality bearings extend service life

Common Reach Truck Applications

Where these wheels are used:

• Pallet racking — Primary reach truck application

• Narrow aisle warehouses — Maximizing storage density

• Retail distribution — High-turnover, fast-paced facilities

• Cold storage — Refrigerated warehouse operations

• Food distribution — Temperature-controlled environments

• Electronics warehousing — Clean, precise operations

Getting Started

Need help selecting wheels?

Provide details:

• Vehicle make and model

• Typical load weights

• Floor type

• Operating environment

• Any special conditions

We can recommend the right specifications for your reach truck fleet.

Browse our forklift wheels or contact us for advice.