Two castors with the same bracket can behave completely differently because of the wheel material. Here is a quick guide to the treads we supply.
Polyurethane (PU)
The all-rounder for factories and warehouses. PU is hard wearing, quiet and non-marking, carries high loads and resists cuts and oils. Best on smooth indoor floors.
Rubber and grey rubber
Soft and elastic, rubber absorbs vibration and protects fragile loads. Grey rubber is non-marking, making it ideal for hospitals, offices, retail and anywhere floors must stay clean.
TPR (thermoplastic rubber)
A comfortable, quiet tread with good elasticity, common on medical, furniture and light medium duty castors. Conductive TPR versions are available for ESD sensitive areas.
Nylon and polypropylene (PP)
Very low rolling resistance, even under heavy loads, and resistant to water and many chemicals. They are noisier and less forgiving on rough floors, so they suit clean, hard surfaces.
Cast iron and phenolic
For extra heavy duty and high temperature work. Cast iron handles the heaviest loads. Phenolic resin wheels tolerate heat, which makes them popular for oven trolleys and bakeries.
Pneumatic and foam
Air filled or foam filled tyres glide over rough, uneven and outdoor ground, protecting both the load and the operator.
Quick comparison
| Material | Noise | Floor protection | Load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PU | Low | High | High | Factories, warehouses |
| Grey rubber | Very low | Very high | Medium | Hospitals, retail |
| Nylon / PP | Medium | Medium | High | Clean hard floors, wet areas |
| Cast iron | High | Low | Very high | Heavy industry |
| Phenolic | Medium | Medium | High | Heat, ovens |
| Pneumatic | Very low | High | Low to medium | Outdoors, uneven ground |