Polyurethane or nylon? The wheels of a pallet truck help decide how easily it runs, how loud it is and how well it suits your floor. Many pallet trucks are available in an otherwise identical version with different wheels. This comparison sets both materials side by side, using models from our category pallet trucks.
The differences at a glance
As an example, we use two qteck pallet trucks with 1150 mm forks and a capacity of 2500 kg that differ only in the wheel material. The rows on noise and floor describe general properties of the materials, not manufacturer statements about these items. The product data give no measured values on these points.
| Criterion | Polyurethane (PU/PU) | Nylon (Ny/Ny) |
|---|---|---|
| Example | qteck 1150 mm, 2500 kg, tandem | qteck 1150 mm, 2500 kg, tandem |
| Wheel sizes | steering wheels Ø180x50 mm, tandem load rollers Ø80x70 mm | steering wheels Ø180x50 mm, tandem load rollers Ø80x70 mm |
| Own weight | 68 kg | 68 kg |
| Noise | considered quieter because the tread is elastic | considered louder, especially on uneven floors |
| Floor | general: elastic tread, often used on smooth warehouse floors | general: hard tread, often used on rough floors |
| Bearings | steering wheels and load rollers ball-bearing mounted | steering wheels and load rollers ball-bearing mounted |
How a wheel behaves in a given case depends on floor, load and dirt. If in doubt, test on your own floor.
Important for choosing: only on the two 2.5 t tandem models does the wheel alone differ. In this selection, 2.0 t is only available with Ny/Ny single, and PU/PU and Gu/PU only with 2.5 t tandem. Decide on capacity and wheel together.
Polyurethane: quiet and floor-friendly
Polyurethane is an elastic plastic. Wheels with a PU tread give a little and so dampen shocks and noise. That is why they are often chosen where sensitive floors need protecting or where noise is a nuisance, for example in retail or in areas with customer traffic.
The qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2.5 tonnes PU/PU tandem has steering wheels and load rollers with polyurethane tyres. According to the manufacturer, the wheels have ball bearings and run easily even under load.
On rough surfaces, with sharp-edged debris or swarf, the softer tread can wear faster. In that case, inspect the wheels particularly often.
Nylon: hard and robust
Nylon is a hard plastic. Nylon wheels barely deform under load and roll easily on firm floors. They are often used on rough or dirty floors, for example in workshops, production or outdoor areas.
The qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2,5to Ny/Ny tandem has steering wheels and load rollers with nylon tyres and is otherwise equipped like the PU model: 2500 kg capacity, load centre 600 mm, lift range 85 to 200 mm.
Because nylon hardly gives, it passes on unevenness more strongly. This can be louder and put more strain on sensitive floors.
Mixed versions and single rollers
Besides pure PU or nylon versions, there are combinations:
- The qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2.5 tonnes Gu/PU tandem has rubber steering wheels of Ø180x50 mm and PU tandem load rollers of Ø80x70 mm. According to the product text, it also suits narrow warehouse aisles and trucks.
- The qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2,0to Ny/Ny single has nylon wheels with single load rollers of Ø80x90 mm, a capacity of 2000 kg and an own weight of 66 kg.
Tandem load rollers have two rollers per fork, single load rollers one. Which design suits your pallets better depends on the underside of your load carriers.
On this version, the steering wheels are made of rubber and the tandem load rollers under the forks of PU. The manufacturer also names use on trucks and when loading transport vehicles for this model.
Which wheel for which use?
Smooth floors in warehouses or retail
On smooth, clean floors and wherever things should stay quiet, PU wheels are a common choice. The rubber steering wheel of the Gu/PU version is another option.
Workshops and production with rough floors
On rough floors, with dirt or outdoors, nylon wheels are often used because they are hard and resistant. Expect more noise when moving.
Frequently asked questions
Do PU wheels leave marks on the floor?
The product data say nothing on this. If your floor is sensitive, ask the manufacturer before buying or test on an inconspicuous spot.
Can the wheels be replaced later?
Wheels are wear parts. Whether replacement wheels fit, and which ones, can be found in the manufacturer's information.
Does the wheel material change the capacity?
For the two qteck models with 1150 mm forks and tandem load rollers, the capacity is the same, namely 2500 kg. The technical data of each product are authoritative.
How to make your choice
- Check your floor: smooth or rough, clean or dirty, indoors or outdoors.
- Clarify whether noise is a problem.
- Choose capacity and fork length to suit your loads.
You will find all models in the category pallet trucks. We are happy to answer questions about choosing a pallet truck: +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
This article is a selection guide – the manufacturer's operating instructions apply for use and inspection.