What are LD crane wheels?
In the overall composition of a crane, the LD crane wheels may seem simple, but it is actually a crucial executive component that enables the entire machine's translation function and bears all the loads. The quality of its performance directly affects the crane's operating efficiency, energy consumption level, track wear, and even overall safety. As the widely used LD-type electric single-girder crane, the supporting LD wheel is one of the core considerations in its design.

Characteristics of LD Crane Wheels
Compact Structure: Wheels manufactured via forging processes feature a dense internal structure and an exquisitely compact design, which significantly enhances the operational control precision and overall stability of the crane.
Smooth Surface: During the forging process, metal undergoes high-pressure plastic deformation to form a smooth, streamlined surface. This not only reduces air resistance during operation but also minimizes frictional noise.
Excellent Mechanical Properties: Owing to their favorable heat treatment adaptability, forged wheels can have their internal grain structure further optimized through appropriate heat treatment processes, thereby achieving an ideal combination of strength, hardness, and wear resistance.
High Material Utilization Rate: Compared with traditional casting processes, forging technology substantially reduces raw material waste, which helps control production costs.
Stable and Reliable Quality: With high strength, high toughness, and good durability, forged wheels can maintain excellent performance in extreme environments, ensuring a high level of reliability.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting LD Crane Wheels?
1. Load Factor
It is necessary to calculate the total load, including the crane's own weight, rated lifting capacity, as well as the dynamic load coefficient and impact load during operation. The rated load-bearing capacity of the wheel should be selected based on the load magnitude to prevent tread deformation and cracks caused by long-term overloading.
2.Operating Condition Requirements
Selection should be made according to the operating speed, start-stop frequency, and working class. For high-frequency and heavy-load working conditions, high-strength wheels are required.
3.Track Specifications
The tread shape and diameter of the wheel must be compatible with the track model (such as Type P, Type QU) to ensure fit and smooth operation. The rim height should match the track width to prevent derailment, while a reasonable gap is reserved to reduce friction.
4.Material and Structure
For materials, wear-resistant alloy steels such as 6Mn and ZG35CrMo are preferred. For high-frequency working conditions, wheels treated with surface quenching can be used to improve hardness and wear resistance. For the structure, single-rim or double-rim wheels should be selected according to the guidance requirements to ensure stable operation.
5.Assembly and Matching Parameters
The wheel shaft diameter and bearing model must match the installation dimensions of the crane's end beam to ensure assembly accuracy and flexible rotation. The wheel spacing and quantity should be considered to distribute the load evenly and avoid excessive stress on a single wheel.

The Role of LD Crane Wheels in Cranes
Load-Bearing Function: They directly bear the crane's own weight, the weight of the lifted load, as well as the dynamic loads and impact loads during operation, and stably transmit all loads to the tracks and ground foundation.
Driving and Movement: Cooperating with the traveling mechanism, they drive the crane to move longitudinally/transversely along the tracks through rolling, enabling the movement of heavy objects within the operating area and expanding the operation coverage.
Guiding and Limiting: By means of the close fit between the wheel flanges and the tracks, they restrict the crane's traveling direction, prevent deviation or derailment, and ensure precise movement along the predetermined tracks.
Resistance Reduction and Energy Saving: They replace sliding friction with rolling friction, significantly reducing traveling resistance, lowering motor energy consumption and component wear, and improving the overall operating efficiency and service life of the crane.

Maintenance Key Points for LD Crane Wheels
Regular Lubrication：Conduct a lubrication inspection once a month; the inspection interval should be shortened in dusty or humid environments. Apply grease to effectively prevent wheel jamming and excessive wear.effectively prevent wheel jamming and excessive wear.
Wear Repair: When the tread wear amount is ≤15%, repair can be carried out through turning processing combined with heat treatment technology; when the wheel flange is worn, repair it by means of overlay welding. After repair, it is necessary to ensure that the wheel dimensional tolerance meets the standard and the quenching hardness complies with requirements.
Precision Correction: The diameter deviation of the driving wheel must be controlled within ≤0.1%, and the diameter deviation of the driven wheel within ≤0.2%; the installation runout of the wheel shall not exceed 0.10mm to avoid rail gnawing during operation.
Component Inspection and Repair: Regularly inspect the working status of the shaft hole, bearing and gear ring. The shaft body must be free of cracks, and the depth of surface scratches shall be ≤0.03mm. Damaged components must be replaced in a timely manner if found.
 

Although LD crane wheels are not the most prominent components in a crane, they serve as the cornerstone for ensuring its efficient and safe operation. From precise selection to scientific maintenance, every step is crucial to the stability and service life of the entire material handling system. As industrial technology continues to advance toward intelligence and higher efficiency, higher requirements are also being placed on core foundational components such as LD crane wheels.