Pallet Jack Entry and Exit Roller Wheels

Pallet jack entry and exit roller wheels are specialized wheels designed for the smooth loading and unloading of pallets onto the forks. Entry roller wheels are located at the front end of the pallet jack's forks. They facilitate the smooth entry of the forks underneath a pallet or load when approaching it from the front. On the other hand, exit roller wheels are situated at the rear end of the pallet jack's forks. They allow the load to smoothly roll off the forks when unloading.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Purpose and Use of Entry and Exit Roller Wheels
• Benefits of Entry and Exit Roller Wheels
• Types of Entry and Exit Roller Wheels
• Commonly Used Materials for Roller Wheels
• Guide to Choose the Right Entry and Exit Roller Wheels
• Why Pallet Jackson Should Be Your Top Choice When Buying Pallet Jack Entry and Exit Roller Wheels?

Entry and Exit Roller Wheels for Pallet Jack

A pallet jack fork has entry roller wheels and exit roller wheels. Entry roller wheels are located at the tips of the forks, and they help the forks enter the pallet openings smoothly. Exit roller wheels are located at the back of the forks, and they help the forks exit the pallet openings without getting stuck. 

Pallet jack entry and exit roller wheels are usually made of polyurethane or nylon, depending on the type of floor and the noise level. The standard size of the pallet jack entry roller is 1.9" Dia x 1.2" Width, and the exit roller wheel is 3" Dia x 3.75" Width, with a bearing ID of 20 mm. However, some pallet jacks may have different sizes. It's best to consult your manufacturer's manual to check out the standard size needs.

Benefits of Entry and Exit Roller Wheels

Entry and exit roller wheels facilitate the movement of goods or materials. They are installed at the beginning and end of the fork, and they have several benefits for the efficiency and safety of the operation. 

Some of the benefits are:

• They reduce the friction between the fork and the surface, lowering the energy consumption and prolonging the fork's lifespan.
• They prevent the fork from sagging or slipping, which reduces the risk of damage or loss of the goods or materials.
• They provide a smooth transition for the goods or materials from one conveyor to another or from the conveyor to the loading or unloading area, which minimizes the impact and vibration.
• They allow for precise alignment and positioning of the goods or materials, improving the process's quality and accuracy.

Types of Entry and Exit Roller Wheels

There are two main types of entry and exit roller wheels: single roller wheels and double roller wheels.

Single Roller Wheels

It consists of a single roller or cylinder-shaped wheel at the entry and exit points of the pallet jack forks. These wheels are typically polyurethane or nylon. But, they can cause friction and wear on the fork, and they may not be able to handle heavy loads or high speeds. They also have a limited range of motion, so they cannot adjust to the fork's direction or tension changes.

Double Roller Wheels

It features two parallel rollers or cylinders at the entry and exit points of the pallet jack forks. These wheels are often made of similar materials as single roller wheels, such as polyurethane or nylon, but offer additional support and stability. They can reduce friction and wear on the fork and handle heavier loads and higher speeds. They also have a wider range of motion, which means they can adapt to changes in the fork's direction or tension.

Material and Construction

Some of the common materials used for roller wheels are:

Polyurethane and Ultra-Polyurethane

Polyurethane is one of the most widely used materials for entry and exit roller wheels due to its excellent properties. 

Advantages of Polyurethane:

• High load-bearing capacity
• Excellent abrasion resistance and durability
• Good shock absorption and vibration damping
• Resistant to oils, greases, and many chemicals
• Available in different hardness levels to suit various applications

Ultra-polyurethane is a premium polyurethane version, offering higher load capacities, increased wear resistance, and improved chemical resistance.

Steel

Steel roller wheels are constructed from solid steel or feature a steel core with a coating or covering material. 

Advantages of Steel

• Extremely high load-bearing capacity
• Excellent impact resistance
• Long service life
• Suitable for harsh environments and outdoor use

Nylon

Nylon is another popular material for entry and exit roller wheels, particularly in lightweight and medium-duty applications. 

Advantages of Nylon:

• Good impact resistance and flexibility
• Low rolling resistance for improved maneuverability
• Resistant to many chemicals and solvents
• Cost-effective option compared to some other materials

Rubber

Rubber roller wheels are constructed by molding or vulcanizing rubber onto a central core and are made of steel or nylon.

Advantages of Rubber:

• Excellent gripping ability, even on slippery surfaces
• Good shock absorption and vibration damping
• Resistant to oils, greases, and many chemicals
• Suitable for outdoor use and rough terrain

Phenolic Resin

Phenolic resin is a thermoset plastic material used for entry and exit roller wheels in certain applications.

Advantages of Phenolic Resin:

• High heat resistance and thermal stability
• Good chemical resistance
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Suitable for high-temperature environments

Choosing the Right Entry and Exit Roller Wheels

Here are some key considerations when selecting the appropriate entry and exit roller wheels:

Load Bearing Capacity

The roller wheels should be able to support the weight of the load and the pallet jack without deforming or breaking. The load-bearing capacity of the roller wheels depends on the material of the wheels. Heavier loads require roller wheels made from polyurethane, ultra-polyurethane, or steel, which offer higher load capacities than nylon or rubber.

Chemical Resistance

The roller wheels should resist corrosion, abrasion, and chemical damage from the substances that may come in contact with them during operation. Polyurethane, ultra-polyurethane, and phenolic resin roller wheels offer excellent chemical resistance, preventing degradation and ensuring long-term performance.

Operating Environment

The roller wheels should be suitable for the temperature, humidity, and weather conditions of the place where you are using your pallet jack. Nylon or polyurethane roller wheels may be suitable for indoor applications with smooth floors. However, rubber or polyurethane roller wheels with higher abrasion resistance and traction may be more appropriate for outdoor or rough terrain applications.

Floor Surface

The roller wheels should be compatible with the type and condition of the floor surface where you are using your pallet jack. For example, if you use your pallet jack on a smooth, flat concrete floor, you should choose roller wheels with good traction and stability. Choose roller wheels with shock absorption and flexibility if you use your pallet jack on a rough or uneven floor.

Pallet Jack Model Compatibility 

The roller wheels should fit the dimensions and specifications of your pallet jack model. You should check the manufacturer's manual or consult a professional before replacing or installing new roller wheels on your pallet jack.

Pallet Jackson: Your Premium Partner for Buying Pallet Jack Roller Wheels

If you are looking for high-quality pallet jack roller wheels, look no further than Pallet Jackson. We are your premium partner for buying, installing, and servicing pallet jack wheels in any industry. We have the right product if you need polyurethane, nylon, steel, or rubber wheels. Our pallet jack wheels are durable, smooth, and wear & tear-resistant. They can handle heavy loads and reduce noise and vibration. Plus, we offer competitive prices and fast delivery. Contact us today and discover why Pallet Jackson is the best choice for pallet jack roller wheels.