Choice Of Crane Rail Wheels

Crane rail wheels are essential components of overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and other rail-mounted material handling equipment. When choosing crane rail wheels, there are several factors to consider to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the equipment.

Here are some key factors to take into account:

• Wheel material: Crane rail wheels are typically made of cast or forged steel, with forged steel generally offering better durability and resistance to wear. Some popular steel grades include AAR M-107, AAR M-208, and AAR M-201, each with different properties and suited for different applications.
• Wheel diameter: The diameter of the rail wheel affects the load capacity and wear resistance of the crane. Larger diameter wheels distribute the load more evenly, resulting in reduced wear and increased service life. Choose a wheel diameter suitable for the crane's capacity and the desired service life.
• Wheel flange design: The wheel flange design is critical for maintaining proper alignment and preventing derailment. There are two main types of flange designs – single flange and double flange. Single flange wheels are used when a guide rail is present, while double flange wheels are used for better guidance on the track.
• Wheel tread profile: The wheel tread profile determines the contact area between the wheel and the rail. A larger contact area reduces the pressure on the rail, which in turn reduces wear. Tread profiles can be flat, conical, or dual-radius, depending on the application and rail type.
• Wheel hardness: The hardness of the wheel material directly impacts wear resistance and service life. A harder wheel will generally last longer but may also result in increased rail wear. A balance between wheel and rail hardness is essential to minimize overall maintenance costs.
• Bearing type: The bearings used in crane rail wheels can be either plain or roller bearings. Roller bearings provide lower friction and longer service life but may be more expensive. Plain bearings, on the other hand, are more cost-effective but may require more frequent maintenance.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for reducing wear and increasing the service life of crane rail wheels. Ensure that the chosen wheels have adequate provisions for lubrication, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lubricant type and maintenance intervals.
• Manufacturer's reputation: Choose crane rail wheels from a reputable manufacturer with a track record of producing high-quality, reliable products. This will help ensure that you receive well-engineered components that will perform well in your specific application.

Considering these factors will help you select the appropriate crane rail wheels for your material handling equipment, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and an extended service life.

The following is an excerpt from a technical reference document, provided for your information. If you are interested in learning more, you may download the complete PDF. also you can view our crane wheel product, If you require direct advice or a quotation, please contact us to obtain the information you need, our experts are ready to help you with any questions you may have and can offer customized recommendations and pricing details based on your unique requirements.

In order to choose a crane rail wheel, its diameter is determined by considering :

-the load on the wheel

-the quality of the metal from which it is made

-the type of rail on which it runs

-the speed of rotation of the wheel

-the group classification of the mechanism

4.2.4.1. Crane rail wheel size

To determine the size of a crane rail wheel, the following checks must be made :

-that it is capable of withstanding the maximum load to which it will be subjected, and

-that it will allow the appliance to perform its normal duty without abnormal wear.

The two requirements are checked by means of the following two formulae :

P_{mean III} ≤ P_L . C_1max . C_2max < 1,38 . P_L ≈ 1,4 P_L

Taking C_1max=1.2 and C_2max=1.15

and P_{mean I,II} / (b.D) ≤  P_L.C₁.C₂

(Note: For the meaning of the characters and the calculation method of each data（Such as "P_L""C₁""C₂"), please refer to the attachment 👇)

4.2.4.2. Notes

Note 1 :  The formulae apply only to wheels whose diameters do not exceed 1,25 m. For larger diameters experience shows that the permissible pressures between the rail and the wheel must be  lowered. The use of wheels of greater diameter is not recommended.

Note 2:  It should be noted that the limiting pressure PL is a notional pressure determined by supposing  that contact between the wheel and the rail takes place over a surface whose width is the useful width defined earlier (clause 4.2.4.1.2.) and whose length is the diameter of the wheel. The  method of calculating set out above is derived from application of the HERTZ formula, which may be written :

σ_cg² / ( 0,35 . E ) = P / ( b . D )

where:

σ_cg²  is the compressive stress in the wheel and the rail in N/mm²

E the modulus of elasticity of the metal in N/mm²

P the wheel load in N

b and D in mm, being as defined above (clause 4.2.4.1.).

Taking KL to represent the value σ²_cg/(0.35.E) which has the dimension of a pressure in N/mm2 , the relation may be written :

K_L=P/(b.D)

and characterizes the wheel pressure on the rail. The formula of clause 4.2.4.1. is obtained by putting :

K_L=P_L.c1.c2