SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the core difference between the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P and the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-R, and which should I order?
A: The SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P is a polyurethane compound drive tire optimized for drive wheel (traction) duty. The SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-R is a rubber steer tire used for front steering wheels. Do not interchange them. Drive tires require higher hardness and grip to power the load; steer tires require lower durometer for steering response and load distribution. Order the SF-P for rear or mid-wheel drive positions and SF-R for front steering positions only.

Q: Does the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P come assembled with a hub, or do I need to purchase the hub separately?
A: The base part number SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P is the tire only and does not include a hub. You must mount it onto a compatible 5-inch bore steel hub using a hydraulic press. If you need the tire and hub together as a complete pre-assembled wheel, order the part number SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P-A (the A suffix denotes assembly with hub included). The SF-P-A ships ready to install directly onto the truck axle.

Q: What specific polyurethane compound grade is the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P, and how does it perform on wet or slippery floors?
A: The SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P uses a standard industrial polyurethane compound formulation, typically Shore 95A hardness. This provides good grip on dry polished concrete and sealed warehouse floors. On wet or oily floors, grip decreases noticeably; traction loss can reach 25 to 40 percent. For wet-floor applications, you need a softer compound (Shore 85A rubber) or a tire with a grooved or textured tread. The smooth flat design of this model is optimized for dry, clean indoor warehouse use only.

Q: Can the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P be field-installed without a press, and what is the correct installation procedure?
A: No. The SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P must be mounted using a hydraulic press (minimum 20-ton capacity). Place the hub on the press base, center the tire opening over the hub bore, and apply steady pressure until the tire is fully seated. Do not use a hammer, wooden mallet, or hand tools. Improper installation causes uneven seating, runout issues, and premature tire failure. After pressing, verify concentricity with a dial indicator (runout should not exceed 0.050 inch). Re-balance the wheel assembly after installation.

Q: What is the expected service life and replacement interval for the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P in a 16-hour daily operation warehouse?
A: In typical 16-hour daily warehouse operation with moderate load cycling (500 to 1200 pounds per wheel), expect 24 to 36 months of service life. Heavy continuous operation (24-hour, full-load cycles) may reduce life to 12 to 18 months. Monitor tire wear monthly by measuring remaining thickness at three points around the circumference. When thickness falls below 0.375 inch or when visible cracking develops, replace immediately. Dry polyurethane compounds also harden with age; if a tire is over 4 years old, replace it regardless of visible wear to avoid unexpected failure during operation.

Q: Is the SU 9 X 5 X 5-SF-P non-marking, and will it leave black streaks or residue on tile or polished floors?
A: Standard polyurethane in the SF-P can leave faint marks on very light-colored or freshly polished floors under heavy braking or load shifts. It is not considered a non-marking tire. If your facility requires certified non-marking tires (such as food-processing plants, pharmaceutical warehouses, or healthcare facilities), you must order a specialized non-marking formulation or switch to a natural rubber tire. Verify the application requirements with your facility manager before ordering to avoid installation and operational issues.