Polyurethane casters belong to the polyurethane products group, so they share the similar advantages and features with this material.
Polyurethane caster is superior to the rubber type in terms of resistance to grease, oil, cutting, chunking, and abrasive wear. These caster wheels can be used on almost any factory floor. The principle benefit of a polyurethane caster over the same size rubber wheel is increased capacity. Given the same size load on a smooth floor, a polyurethane caster wheel rolls easier than the same size conventional rubber caster wheel. However, when used at full capacity, polyurethane is not easy rolling. Providing a manual operation under ideal conditions, polyurethane caster wheels have a safe operating capacity of up to three times the capacity of the same size rubber wheel. Capacity ratings are offered as an idea of what the wheel will carry without failure. They are not absolute, but rather depend on the usage and service.
So selecting a polyurethane caster with much higher capacity than the weight you require is necessary. Polyurethane is not truly floor protective because it lacks the resilience and cushioning effect of soft rubber. However, polyurethane made for polyurethane casters is less damaging to floors and objects than "hard tread" wheels because it provides some tire deflection under load. Polyurethane caster wheels are not recommended for storage loads except for wheels with special standards.