Rimless/Flangeless Crane Wheel
Eliminate rail wear, extend wheel life, and improve stability.
The new generation flangeless crane wheel replaces traditional rimmed wheels with a horizontal guide wheel system, achieving “load-bearing + guiding separation” for smoother, safer, and longer-lasting crane operations.
Design & Working Principle
The flangeless wheel design separates the guiding and load-bearing functions:
Horizontal guide wheels contact the side of the rail, absorbing lateral forces and preventing derailment.
The wheel tread is cylindrical, allowing the wheel to roll freely while the guide wheels manage alignment.
Configurable layouts — dual-side on one end or symmetrical on both ends — based on crane frame stiffness.
Result: No flange friction, higher precision, and dramatically longer wheel and rail lifespan.
Why Choose Our Flangeless Crane Wheel System?
No More Rail Biting:
Horizontal guide wheels take all side loads — no flange contact with the rail.
✅ Completely eliminates flange wear and rail damage.Extended Service Life:
Reduces wheel and rail wear by 30%+ compared to conventional crane wheels.High Precision & Stability:
±2 mm running accuracy, ensuring smooth, jerk-free motion — ideal for automation systems.Wide Load Range:
1 – 200 tons per wheel; supports light-duty, heavy-duty, and super heavy-duty cranes.Low Maintenance Cost:
Maintenance frequency reduced by up to 40%; simple inspection and re-lubrication routine.
Manufacturing & Quality Control
Forging Process: 50% higher strength vs casting; consistent grain structure for durability.
Heat Treatment: Quenching + tempering; optional induction hardening for tread surface.
Surface Protection: Anti-corrosion coating for outdoor or chemical exposure.
Precision Tolerance: ±0.05 mm for diameter, tread width, and bore.
Ultrasonic Inspection: 100% flaw detection (per JB/T 6392 Crane Wheel Standard).
Performance Testing: Static load, wear, and fatigue testing to validate real-world durability.
Applications
Port cranes (RTG, STS, gantry cranes): High load cycles, extended overhaul intervals.
Steel mills & foundries: High-temperature resistance and heavy impact.
Wind energy and construction: Long-span or outdoor heavy-lift cranes.
Automated production lines: High positioning precision, quiet running.
Confined spaces or retrofits: Compact structure saves installation space.
Maintenance Guide
Inspection Frequency
Visual check before daily operation
Monthly dimensional check
Annual ultrasonic flaw test
Lubrication
Guide wheel & bearing: every 3–6 months (1–2 months in hot or humid environments)
Use high-temperature or anti-rust grease according to working conditions
Replacement Criteria
Tread wear > 15% of original thickness
Any surface cracks, flaking, or uneven guide wheel wear
Rail Maintenance
Keep rails clean and level; deviation ≤ 3 mm for optimal flangeless guiding performance
Material & Performance Options
Key Advantages vs Traditional Rimmed Wheels
Maintenance Guide
Inspection Frequency
Visual check before daily operation
Monthly dimensional check
Annual ultrasonic flaw test
Lubrication
Guide wheel & bearing: every 3–6 months (1–2 months in hot or humid environments)
Use high-temperature or anti-rust grease according to working conditions
Replacement Criteria
Tread wear > 15% of original thickness
Any surface cracks, flaking, or uneven guide wheel wear
Rail Maintenance
Keep rails clean and level; deviation ≤ 3 mm for optimal flangeless guiding performance
Selection Guidelines
By Load:
≤ 5 t → nylon / ductile iron
5–50 t → cast / alloy steel
- 50 t → forged steel
By Environment:
High temperature → alloy steel + induction hardening
Corrosive → ductile iron / anti-corrosion coating
Low noise → polyurethane coating
By Precision Requirement:
Automated or high-accuracy systems → premium flangeless assembly with ±0.05 mm tolerance
Standard use → cost-performance cast steel configuration
FAQs
Q : Will flangeless (rimless) crane wheels derail easily?
A: No. Horizontal guide wheels maintain perfect rail alignment, ensuring stable travel and anti-derail performance.
Q:Are they compatible with existing cranes?
A: Yes, most existing cranes can be retrofitted with flangeless wheel assemblies after alignment assessment.We also supply custom services.
Q: Why is the initial cost higher?
A: The system uses forged or alloy materials and precision assembly — but total lifecycle cost is 30–50% lower due to extended lifespan and reduced rail wear.