Product Description
Rubber D/T, With Walnut Shells
Specifications: 13.500 inch diameter x 5.500 inch width (13.500" x 5.500" | 13.5 x 5.5 wheel | 13-1/2 x 5-1/2 | 342.90mm x 139.70mm)
Specifications
Wheel Specifications
| Outside Diameter (in) | 13.500 |
| Width (in) | 5.500 |
| Outside Diameter (mm) | 342.90 |
| Width (mm) | 139.70 |
| Drive Tire Profile | Smooth Flat |
| Tread Style | Center Groove |
| Material | Rubber |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are walnut shells in the SU 13.5 X 5.5 X 8-SF-CGRIP-R tire and why are they important?
A: Walnut shell particles are embedded in the rubber compound to provide mechanical grip enhancement. They increase friction on wet, icy, or oily floors without relying solely on tread pattern. This is critical for dock areas, outdoor use, or environments where floors are slippery. Walnut shells gradually wear away over time; once worn flat, grip performance decreases. Inspect quarterly for shell density loss. If most shells are gone, the wheel must be replaced for safety.
Q: Is the rubber SF-CGRIP-R equivalent to the polyurethane SC-XL wheel?
A: No. They are not interchangeable. Rubber SF-CGRIP-R has superior traction and grip on wet or greasy surfaces, making it the choice for dock areas and outdoor use. Polyurethane SC-XL is harder, more durable on dry polished floors, and lasts longer with less maintenance. Do not mix rubber and polyurethane wheels on the same truck axle; this causes uneven wear and steering instability. Choose one material per truck and maintain consistency.
Q: How do I diagnose if the SF-CGRIP-R wheel is losing traction?
A: The truck will slip or slide under acceleration, especially when turning. The wheels may spin on wet or oily floors when the truck should grip firmly. Visually inspect the tire surface; if walnut shells are worn flat or missing in clusters, grip is compromised. Test grip by manually spinning the wheel with your hand—it should resist spinning slightly due to friction. If it spins freely, replacement is needed. Do not operate a slippery drive wheel on ramps or dock areas; accident risk is high.
Q: Can the SF-CGRIP-R wheel be used indoors on polished concrete?
A: Yes, but it is not ideal. Rubber with walnut shells will wear faster on dry polished floors than polyurethane because the walnut filler wears away without providing additional grip. For warehouse floors, the SC-XL polyurethane is more economical. Reserve SF-CGRIP-R for dock, outdoor, and high-slip environments. If your warehouse floor is occasionally wet or oily, SF-CGRIP-R is justified for safety despite higher wear rates.
Q: What is the lifespan of an SF-CGRIP-R wheel and what maintenance is needed?
A: Expected lifespan is 2–4 years depending on surface type and operating hours. Walnut shells last approximately 18–24 months before wearing flat on dock concrete. Maintenance is minimal: keep the tire clean and dry, inspect quarterly for shell wear and surface cracks, and check for debris lodged in the center groove. Once shells are gone or large cracks appear, the wheel must be replaced. Do not attempt to refurbish or re-coat with adhesive; wheel replacement is the only safe option.
