In the crane industry, crane wheels may seem like minor components, but they play a crucial role in ensuring smooth, stable, and safe crane operation. Whether on an overhead crane or a gantry crane, the performance and durability of crane wheels directly affect the overall efficiency and lifespan of the equipment.
Crane wheels are essential for supporting the crane structure and transferring the load while enabling linear movement along rails. A typical wheel system includes:
Wheel body
Bearing and housing
Axle or shaft
Lubrication system
Depending on function, crane wheels can be classified as:
Driving wheels – powered by a motor to move the crane.
Driven wheels – passive wheels that guide and support movement.
Crane wheels must offer high load-bearing capacity, excellent wear resistance, and impact strength. Common materials include:
| Material | Key Features |
|---|---|
| 42CrMo | Alloy steel with high strength and wear resistance; ideal for heavy-duty applications |
| 65Mn | Good elasticity; suitable for moderate-duty conditions |
| ZG340-640 Cast Steel | Well-balanced properties for medium and large cranes |
Manufacturing typically involves forging + heat treatment (such as quenching and tempering) to enhance strength, hardness, and fatigue resistance.
Due to constant contact with rails and exposure to dynamic loads, crane wheels often experience:
Rim wear or chipping – caused by misaligned rails or overloading
Pitting or surface peeling – due to embedded debris or material fatigue
Uneven wear – resulting from poor track alignment or installation issues
Cracks or breakage – linked to inadequate materials or improper heat treatment
To extend the service life of crane wheels, consider the following best practices:
Regularly inspect the wheel tread and flanges for signs of wear
Keep rails clean and properly aligned to prevent damage
Stop operation immediately if abnormal vibration or noise is detected
Avoid overload conditions, especially during startup
Use high-quality alloy steel wheels with automated lubrication systems when possible
Crane wheels are small in size but are the key to ensuring safe and reliable operation of cranes. Reasonable selection, high-quality manufacturing and regular maintenance are the key to long-term operation of equipment. CATET provides precision forged crane wheels and customized solutions for various types of lifting equipment.
Contact Person: Mr. kalai
Tel: +8618790521666
Fax: 86-755-23343104
