Part of my new machine project, I have to move a bunch of stuff around in the shop to fit what I want to keep. I have been looking at F9/L9 GKS urethane roller combo- and looking at what it would cost to make up a similar set in my shop. I could match roller diameters and lengths.... but how much difference does the urethane coatings make in actual use?
I have a set of hilman " tank track" style- those things are clunky.....I have a smaller set of shop made rollers for smaller stuff. Several of the items I want to move around are 20-25k, the rest below 10k.
any comparisons between steel solid wheels and the urethane coated?
I no longer have to move anything much over 6,000 Avoir. That said, I have 'many' of Northern's 'purple' 4400 lb urethanes, a few Vestil urethane, 'many' bearing-outer race Northern 'orange' 3300 avoir units, one pair of 10,000 Avoir steel roller-bearing Vestils. I rate the Northern's tougher than the Vestils. They should be. They are heavier, and heavier built.
If I could have but one type - urethane, no contest. At my age? Essential goods, all.
The purple ones can be ganged, both longitudinally and laterally. Even though that ups weight carrying capacity, it also makes them progressively more difficult to 'steer' or to respond to steering. Sort of a 'carpet' effect.
Two, side by side, steer 'OK' rate at 8,880 Avoir, appear to be good for at least 100% safety margin, Chinese made or not.
The Vestil many-wheeler with swivel top plate I use for steerable lead unit when 3-pointing is rated for 10,000 Avoir, probably would jam its swivel around 100% overload, but not necessarily shed urethane. It also sees paved road and driveway use, not just shop floor concrete. Both Vestil 5,000 Avoir steel roller-pry bars are also urethane wheeled.
As with pallet jacks, the urethane is tougher than first appears, and not hard to find replacements for. It is also the cat's pajamas for low/no damage to wood, concrete, or tiled floors and for not digging-in when I need to traverse a highly imperfect asphalt driveway.
Hilman roller tank treads are, IMNSHO now obsolete, or at least many are. Hilman, or the Germans, now make better recirculating roller types as well as conventional urethane or solid steel rollers that are better at standing up to side loading.
I'd try a few appropriate urethane ones - rentals, even, if the Northerns are too light for your use - and in the toughest of conditions before making a decision on purchase of 'many'. I did do, then just grabbed a few more whenever they were on sale.
Bill