How wheel choice affects the work environment and ergonomics in production

The right wheels for better ergonomics and working environment

Choosing the right wheels is crucial for both ergonomics and production efficiency. The right wheels on the right surface reduce rolling stress and make it easier to handle equipment.

One of our customers conducted their own tests after switching to new wheels. The results showed that the carts rolled about 12% easier on concrete floors, but that the effort increased by about 17% on wooden floors. This clearly shows how much the surface affects rolling resistance and why choosing the right wheels for the right floor is so important.

Test results that show the difference

To better understand how different wheel types affect ergonomics, tests were conducted with two half-pallet trolleys, one equipped with ALB wheels and one with POTH wheels . All tests were performed by the same person with a dynamometer borrowed from Feelgood, and the carts were loaded with 215 kg and 450 kg respectively .

The tests were divided into three different categories depending on the starting position of the wheels. The results showed that both cars were within the The “yellow zone” according to the VASA model , which means a manageable load.
But compared to the POTH wheels, the ALB wheels gave clearly better results:

• 40% improvement in test 1
• 22% improvement in test 2
• 10% improvement in test 3

Small differences in wheel type can therefore have a major impact on both ergonomics and effort in daily work.

Load and wheel selection

Wheels must always be selected based on the weight of the load. A wheel that works well for lighter carts may become difficult to roll if the load is heavy. The combination of wheel type, diameter and material must therefore be adapted to the actual load and the surface.

Different wheel series and their characteristics

• TPA series – Thermoplastic rubber elastomer (75 Shore A) on polypropylene core. Low rolling and pivoting resistance, non-marking, often used for test equipment and workstations.
• PO series – Nylon wheels (70 Shore D) with low rolling resistance on smooth floors and high wear resistance. Resistant to chemicals, suitable for lower loads.
• PATH series – Thermoplastic polyurethane (94 Shore A) on nylon 6 core. Non-marking, low rolling and turning resistance, used for tool carts and dollies.
• POTH series – Heavy duty TPU wheel with high abrasion resistance on nylon core. Low noise, low rolling and swivel resistance, suitable for heavy loads in sensitive hygiene environments.
• ALTH series – Aluminium core with Blickle Extrathane® tread (92 Shore A). High wear resistance, high load capacity and gentle on floors. Used in logistics and mechanical and systems engineering.
• ALST series – Aluminium core with Blickle Softhane® (75 Shore A). Extra thick and elastic, quiet and gentle on floors. Common in the automotive and mechanical engineering industry on uneven surfaces.

Attachment and wheel combination

How the wheel is mounted affects both stability and steering. We offer several mounting options:

• Wheels with center mount – Easily mounted with a single screw. Cost-effective and quick to install, ideal for appliance wheels and light to medium-duty solutions. Perfect for aluminum profile systems and modular industrial applications.
• Wheels with mounting plate – Screwed onto a flat surface with nuts, providing a stable and secure attachment. Available as both swivel and fixed castors.
• New variant for aluminum profiles – Specially developed for mounting on aluminum profile systems. Easy installation, stable rolling and flexible use in modular systems where low weight and adaptability are important .

Fixed, swivel and lockable swivel wheels

• Fixed wheels provides stability and steering control on straight surfaces.
• Swivel wheels facilitates steering in tight spaces and around curves.
• Lockable swivel wheels combine flexibility with control – you can lock the wheels when you want stability and release them when you need to turn.

A good combination is often to have two fixed wheels and two swivel or lockable swivel wheels, which provides both smooth maneuvering and good controllability.

Directional locks – control in motion

For environments where you frequently switch between straight sections and manual steering, directional locks can be a great advantage. They make it possible to lock one or more castors in a specific direction when needed, which makes it easier to drive in long aisles or when you want to avoid the cart “pulling” to the side. When the lock is released, the wheel regains its full swivel ability – a simple but effective feature that improves both ergonomics and control.

We always help to guide to the right wheels, mounting and accessories so that the solution is both ergonomic, safe and easy to handle.