Crane Wheels

Discover the key role of double flange wheel block systems in industrial cranes, supporting 2.75–40 ton loads with customizable options for high stability, precise guidance, and long service life. 

Why do cranes need wheel blocks?

Cranes rely on wheel block systems to enable smooth and controlled horizontal movement along rails, tracks, or beams. Whether it’s a gantry crane, an overhead traveling crane, or a transfer cart system, the wheel block serves as the rolling interface between the crane structure and the track. It ensures:

Efficient load transfer from the crane frame to the ground via rails.

Precise rail alignment is critical for safe operation.

Long service life through load distribution and wear resistance.

Without a properly designed and installed wheel block system, a crane may suffer from misalignment, vibration, track wear, or even derailment, especially under heavy loads.

Installation location of the travel wheel block in the crane

• Travel gantry

Installed at the bottom of the crane gantry or bridge, it moves along the ground track to achieve long-distance movement of the entire machine.

• Trolley travel

Installed under the trolley frame, it moves horizontally along the top track of the main beam to achieve horizontal positioning of the load.

What is a double flange wheel block?

A double-flange wheel block features wheels with flanges on both sides, which help keep the wheel securely aligned on the rail. This configuration prevents lateral displacement, making it ideal for high-load, long-span, or high-speed crane applications where stability and rail guidance are paramount.

The double flange design minimizes the risk of derailment and reduces maintenance caused by wheel or rail wear. It's commonly used in:

Overhead traveling cranes

Gantry cranes

Stacker cranes

Rail-guided transport vehicles

Transfer cars and material-handling carts

Common load-bearing capacities and models

Wheel blocks are available in a wide range of sizes and load-bearing capacities. Depending on crane size and application, standard double flange wheel blocks typically cover the following capacity range:

Load capacity: From 2.75 tons to 40 tons per wheel block

Wheel diameter: From 112 mm to 500 mm

Materials: Forged steel wheels, ductile cast iron, or polyurethane-coated options (for quiet or cleanroom environments)

Customization options

To meet the diverse demands of different crane systems, customizable double-flange wheel blocks are often required. Manufacturers can tailor the following parameters:

Wheel diameter and width

Axle size and connection type (keyed, splined, or bolt-through designs)

Material selection based on wear, corrosion, or noise requirements

Bearing types (tapered roller bearings, deep groove ball bearings)

Surface treatments (heat-treated tread surfaces, anti-corrosion coatings)

For high-performance applications, wheel blocks can also be integrated with gearboxes, encoders, or motorized drive units.

The double flange wheel block system is an essential element of modern crane design, ensuring smooth, reliable, and safe travel along rails. With load-bearing capacities ranging from 2.75 to 40 tons and customizable configurations available, these wheel blocks are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Whether you're building a new crane or upgrading an existing system, choosing the right wheel block assembly is key to maximizing operational efficiency and service life.

If you’re seeking a heavy-duty, durable, and customizable wheel block system, Philson offers an ideal solution for your crane needs.