How to determine whether the iron core PU wheel needs maintenance?

Guide to Determining Maintenance Needs for Iron-Core PU Wheels

Maintenance for iron-core PU wheels should be comprehensively evaluated based on appearance, performance, and operating environment. Maintenance or inspection should be promptly performed if the following signs occur:

I. Abnormal Appearance (Inspect Immediately):

Wheel Tread Damage: Obvious cracks, chips, scratches deep into the core (easily trapping impurities), bulges, deformation, or delamination (separation of the core from the PU).

Contamination and Rust: The wheel tread/frame gap is contaminated with oil, iron filings, sand, and other impurities; metal components such as the wheel frame and screws are rusted or the rustproof coating has fallen off.

II. Abnormal Performance (Inspection Required):

Increased Resistance: The wheel is difficult to push and rotates unsmoothly (due to lack of oil in the bearing, impurities stuck, or worn/hardened wheel tread).

Abnormal Noise: Squeaks, grinding, or metallic sounds are heard during rolling (due to worn bearings, loose screws, or impurities).

Increased vibration: Shaking or jolting during movement, or eccentric wheel movement (uneven wear, bearing damage, loose installation).

Decreased load bearing capacity: The wheel surface is noticeably concave or sinking under rated load, or the wheel frame is slightly deformed (material fatigue, structural damage).

III. Environmental and Usage Triggers (Prompt Action):

After use in humid/wet environments, wipe dry to prevent rust; after contact with oil or chemicals, deep clean to prevent corrosion.

After frequent/heavy use: After prolonged heavy load or frequent use (e.g., over 8 hours per day), even if no abnormalities are present, regular inspections for wear and lubrication are required.

After prolonged inactivity: Check wheel flexibility before restarting and clean and lubricate as necessary.

IV. Regular Preventive Inspections (Proactive Maintenance):

Light use (several times per week): Check cleanliness, screw tightening, and bearing lubrication monthly.

Moderate use (daily): Check for wear and abnormal noise every two weeks; lubricate bearings monthly.

Heavy-duty use (industrial heavy load/high frequency): Check the wheel tread and frame weekly; lubricate the bearings every two weeks; and perform a comprehensive maintenance monthly.

Summary: The core principle is "visual abnormalities must be inspected, performance abnormalities must be repaired, and environmental/frequency triggers must be prevented." By paying attention to signs such as cracks, rust, unusual noises, and increased resistance, combined with regular inspections, problems can be detected promptly, failures can be avoided, wheel life can be extended, and safe use can be ensured.