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Hamilton UltraGlide Polyurethane Wheels — Up to 5,000 lb

UltraGlide is Hamilton's premium polyurethane wheel line — engineered for the lowest rolling resistance and the longest service life in continuous-duty applications, rated to 5,000 lb per wheel. It's the wheel Hamilton specifies when the application runs hard, every shift, for years.

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UltraGlide Polyurethane Caster Series Comparison

Hamilton UltraGlide is a continuous-duty polyurethane compound for the high-cycle end of in-plant transport. It bonds to a lightweight aluminum core for ergonomic push, or a cast iron core for higher capacity up to 5,000 lb. Match the core and wheel size to your load and duty cycle.

Config Size Capacity Wheel Best For
UltraGlide on aluminum core 4" to 6" 900 to 1,800 lb UltraGlide 24/7 polyurethane on aluminum Ergonomic push, lighter continuous-duty carts
UltraGlide on aluminum core 8" 2,000 to 2,500 lb UltraGlide 24/7 polyurethane on aluminum Tugger-train carts, intralogistics fleets
UltraGlide on cast iron core 6" to 8" 2,500 to 3,500 lb UltraGlide polyurethane on cast iron Heavier continuous-duty production transport
UltraGlide on cast iron core 8" to 10" 3,500 to 5,000 lb UltraGlide polyurethane on cast iron Maximum capacity in the UltraGlide line

Representative Hamilton configurations by capacity tier. Exact per-size load ratings, wheel diameters, and mounting are confirmed on your quote. Call 844-439-4335.

How to Choose

1. Capacity at a 25% Margin

Divide total cart and payload weight by the number of casters, then size to a caster rated at least 25% above that load. UltraGlide tops out at 5,000 lb per caster on a cast iron core. The margin protects against load spikes at dock plates, floor joints, and elevator thresholds.

2. Wheel Material, UltraGlide Polyurethane

UltraGlide is formulated for low rolling resistance and to resist the heat and abrasion that wear standard polyurethane in 24/7 service. It is non-marking, floor-protecting, and quiet. Specify it where a caster runs hundreds of cycles a day; for occasional duty, standard polyurethane costs less.

3. Core, Aluminum vs Cast Iron

The aluminum core is lighter, which lowers swivel inertia and the force needed to start and steer the cart. Use it where push effort matters. The cast iron core carries more load in the same wheel diameter. Use it where capacity is the priority and the added rolling weight is acceptable.

4. Environment and Duty Cycle

UltraGlide is built for indoor plant floors, OEM lines, and food and beverage transport that need quiet, non-marking, continuous operation. It is not a high-heat or washdown wheel. For sustained heat see the High-Heat series, and for washdown see the Stainless series.

Engineer Tip: The wheel cost is small next to the labor cost of stopping a continuous-duty line to swap a worn standard polyurethane wheel. If a cart runs more than a few hundred cycles a day, the UltraGlide premium typically pays back inside the first year on reduced replacement and push effort. Spec the aluminum core where the cart is hard to start, and the cast iron core only where you need the capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton UltraGlide polyurethane?

UltraGlide is Hamilton's continuous-duty polyurethane wheel compound, formulated for low rolling resistance and to resist the heat and abrasion that wear standard polyurethane in 24/7 service. It keeps polyurethane's non-marking, quiet roll.

How is UltraGlide different from standard polyurethane?

Same floor protection and non-marking roll, but UltraGlide adds lower rolling resistance and longer life in high-cycle duty. For occasional use, standard polyurethane is cheaper; for carts pushed hundreds of times a day, UltraGlide pays back in life and push effort.

What is the capacity range of the UltraGlide series?

Up to 5,000 lb per caster. Aluminum-core builds in 4 inch to 8 inch cover roughly 900 to 2,500 lb, and cast iron core builds in 6 inch to 10 inch carry up to 5,000 lb. Call 844-439-4335 for the exact rating on a size and core.

Should I choose the aluminum core or the cast iron core?

Choose the aluminum core where push effort matters, since it is lighter and lowers the force to start and steer. Choose the cast iron core for capacity, since it carries more load in the same diameter. Both use the same UltraGlide tread.

Is UltraGlide suitable for high heat or washdown?

No. UltraGlide is an indoor, continuous-duty polyurethane for plant floors and OEM lines, not a high-heat or washdown wheel. For sustained heat use the High-Heat series; for washdown use the Stainless series. Call 844-439-4335 for help.

Do you stock UltraGlide casters?

We stock common UltraGlide sizes and ship same or next day from Mansfield, Texas. Less common sizes and heavier cast iron builds ship from the Hamilton factory in Ohio on a short lead time. Call 844-439-4335.

Hamilton AuthorizedFull Hamilton UltraGlide catalog access, cross-reference, and engineering support.
USA Made in Hamilton, OhioUltraGlide casters are built by Hamilton Caster in Hamilton, Ohio, a U.S. caster maker since 1907.
Same or Next-Day ShipStock UltraGlide casters ship same or next day from our Mansfield, Texas warehouse.
Engineer Support844-439-4335 for capacity sizing, core selection, and push-force analysis.
Hamilton Caster Range

Part of the full Hamilton Casters range. Compare related Hamilton series:

Spec guide: Caster Wheel Material Guide →

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