Originally Posted by
Dan Hintz
Polyurethane, Julie...
Ditto.
Definitely not steel - under load, damaged concrete. But in a home shop, you wouldn't really see that effect. But - they will bump on joints, and be hard to push over/past any slight obstacle.
At the company I work for, I have had built 100 or so material handling carts in the past 9 months - for wood. Understand that my design allows for loads of 2,000 # or more - more than the guys can push, and not what you would need. But the logic may be of use to you.
I exclusively use 8" dia polyurethane wheels - with excellent, greaseable bearings. Except for some special applications where I go to 10".
They do not deform. They won't get a "flat spot" if you leave them sitting under load for a long time. But - in the factory, we don't have that issue. At 150 lfpm, a cart is full every 12 - 15 minutes - pushed back for the packaging guy to do his job, empty cart rolled into place, keep stacking, because we darn sure aren't stopping the infeed guy from shoving lumber in the front end.
I would suggest 6" dia for a home shop application, if you are talking any serious weight - like 100#. The rolling resistance improves in your favor dramatically as you move up in size.
When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.