Ever wonder why some carts/floor trucks are harder to pull/push than others? Basically, it comes down to rolling resistance. The greater the rolling resistance, the more force it takes to move the cart.
So, what causes rolling resistance?
Three things:
- The load (weight)
- The flooring surface
- The wheel
We’ll assume that load is a non-consideration.
(ie. it would stay constant)
Flooring surfaces naturally deform under weight, and this plays a significant role. Compare sand to concrete, for example. Obviously, sand will deform quite a bit more than concrete, and therefore will create greater rolling resistance. The other thing that should be considered is the surface’s condition, ie. it’s unevenness, slope or cleanliness.
As far as the wheel is concerned, the greatest impact comes from the diameter of the wheel and the amount the wheel deforms. As a general rule, a soft tread wheel (like rubber) will deform more than a hard tread wheel (like steel).
Ok, so how do I make my cart or hand truck roll more easily?
Assuming that nothing can be done about the load or the flooring surface (other than keeping it clean), that leaves the following options:
- Use a larger wheel
- Use a wheel that has a harder tread
Hmmm. That’s too simple, there must be a catch.
It is, and yeah. Like everything else in life, there are upsides and downsides to focusing only on rollability. Among other things, harder tread wheels can be loud and damage flooring. Larger wheels often cost more, can make the cart impractical or even make it less maneuverable.
Truly, there are a lot of factors to consider. And whether or not you are ready to purchase, CasterDepot is here to help you make sense of the surprisingly complex world of casters and wheels.
