Forklift Load Wheels

Forklift Load Wheels

Shop forklift load wheels used on pallet jacks, reach trucks, and other material handling equipment. Load wheels are the smaller wheels that sit underneath the forks and carry the load during lifting and transport.

These wheels are commonly made from polyurethane compounds designed for durability, floor protection, and smooth rolling performance in warehouse environments.

Important: Load wheels must match your exact size, bore, and bearing configuration. Even small differences can prevent proper installation or cause premature wear.

Polyurethane Load Wheels

Most load wheels use polyurethane tread bonded to a core material. This construction provides:

  • Low rolling resistance for easier movement
  • Non-marking performance for clean warehouse floors
  • High wear resistance under continuous load

Polyurethane is the preferred choice for indoor material handling equipment where efficiency and floor protection matter.

Shop by Size, Bore, and Bearing

Load wheels are selected based on three key fitment points:

  • Wheel diameter and width
  • Bore diameter
  • Bearing type and size

Many products also align with common OEM replacement part numbers used by brands such as Crown, Yale, Raymond, and Hyster.

What Load Wheels Do

Load wheels are positioned under the forks and are responsible for:

  • Supporting the weight of the load
  • Maintaining stability during transport
  • Rolling smoothly under continuous use

They are different from drive tires or steer wheels, and must be matched specifically to your equipment.

Common Equipment Applications

  • Electric pallet jacks
  • Manual pallet jacks
  • Reach trucks
  • Walkie stackers

Correct matching depends on the specific model and configuration of your equipment.

When to Replace Load Wheels

  • Flat spots or uneven wear
  • Chunking or separation of polyurethane
  • Reduced rolling performance
  • Bearing wear or noise

Replacing worn load wheels helps maintain smooth operation and reduces strain on the equipment.

Before Ordering

Before ordering, always confirm:

  • Wheel size (diameter and width)
  • Bore diameter
  • Bearing type and size
  • OEM part number (if available)

Load wheel fitment must match the exact equipment configuration. Equipment brand alone does not confirm compatibility.

Also Need Polyurethane Press-On Forklift Tires?

If you also operate electric forklifts, you may need replacement polyurethane press-on tires — solid poly compounds that press onto flat-base forklift wheels. Shop Polyurethane Press-On Tires →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a forklift load wheel?

A forklift load wheel is a small polyurethane wheel positioned underneath the forks on pallet jacks, reach trucks, and walkie stackers. Load wheels carry the weight of the load during lifting and transport. They are different from drive tires and steer wheels and must be matched by size, bore, and bearing configuration.

How do I find the right load wheel for my equipment?

Match your load wheel by three fitment points: wheel diameter and width, bore diameter, and bearing type and size. If available, use your OEM part number to find an exact replacement. Common OEM part numbers from Crown, Raymond, Yale, and Hyster are listed on individual product pages.

What are load wheels made of?

Most forklift load wheels use polyurethane tread bonded to a steel or aluminum core. Polyurethane provides low rolling resistance, non-marking performance, and high wear resistance — making it the standard material for indoor warehouse equipment.

When should load wheels be replaced?

Replace load wheels when you notice flat spots, uneven wear, chunking or separation of the polyurethane, reduced rolling performance, or bearing noise. Worn load wheels increase rolling resistance, reduce stability, and put additional strain on the equipment.

Are load wheels the same as forklift tires?

No. Load wheels are smaller wheels positioned under the forks that support the load. Forklift tires are the larger tires on the drive and steer positions that move and steer the forklift itself. They are different components with different sizes and fitment requirements.

Can I use any polyurethane wheel as a load wheel?

No. Load wheels must match your exact size, bore diameter, and bearing configuration. Even small differences can prevent proper installation or cause premature failure. Always verify the specifications against your equipment before ordering.

Need help finding the right part? Contact us with your equipment make, model, and current part number.

Delivered price shown is per product, plus any applicable sales tax. Save 7.5% when you order 2–3 items | Save 15% on 4+ items. Free ground freight to commercial addresses in the contiguous U.S.