Dolly Casters and Wheels Key Terms

Learn differences between types of dolly casters and wheels

By Thomas Langford

When choosing dolly casters and wheels for your business, you should think about how you will be using the dolly. Do you need casters and wheels that can easily carry a heavy load? Are you worried about leaving marks on the floors? Is noise a concern? Will you be pushing the dolly through surfaces that are wet, outdoors or rough? Dolly casters and wheels key terms can help you learn the answers to some of these questions. These terms describe six different types of dolly casters and wheels. After you learn them, you should be able to make your selection with confidence.

Urethane

A urethane wheel is a great wheel option for a dolly that you will use in a moist area such as a garage or warehouse. It is durable, non-marking and non-conductive. It resists corrosion and provides a smooth ride over cracked and uneven floor surfaces.
Try: Visit Lisle Corporation for an expanded explanation of the urethane wheel.

Rubber

Installing rubber wheels on a dolly has many advantages. Rubber rolls smoothly, protects floors and operates quietly. Also, soft rubber wheels help to minimize shock and keep the dolly's cargo from vibrating. Hard rubber wheels make it easier to move the dolly over rough surfaces such as carpet.
Try: Check out AnytimeProducts for more on the benefits of soft and hard rubber wheels.

Plastic

Plastic, or polyolefin, dolly wheels offer versatility. They operate well on most floors, resist chemicals and are quiet and rust-proof.
Try: To see pictures of plastic wheels and to learn more about their maximum weight capacity, visit Algood.

Steel

Steel dolly wheels are ideal for heavy loads. Steel wheels are durable, resist abrasion and roll well when carrying heavy weights.
Try: The Garage Store shows examples of steel wheel dollies that you can use on a boat, car and ATV. The website includes additional information about steel dolly wheels.

Pneumatic

A pneumatic wheel works great in an outdoor environment. It is a thick wheel designed to absorb vibrations and shocks, while rolling over most surfaces.
Try: To see pictures of pneumatic wheels and to learn more, visit DH Casters International.

Non-marking aluminum

When you need strength, shock resistance and maximum floor protection, you should select non-marking dolly wheels. These wheels use an aluminum hub that a soft rubber or polyurethane tread surrounds.
Try: Caster City has pictures of non-marking aluminum wheels and much more information.