When placing your caster order, it can be overwhelming to determine which caster is going to work for you. To help make your decision simpler, there are a few factors you will want to keep in mind about how and where you will be using these casters; this will help make selecting the right caster much simpler.
If you still aren’t sure what way to go after reviewing these factors, contact us and we would be happy to help you through the selections process.
Environment
There are several factors on how the environment a caster is going to be introduced to would affect the caster you would want. The first condition that would be important to know is inside use verse outside use. Indoor casters should be intended for a smoother move, while outdoor casters should have some shock resistance.
It is also important to know if you are going to be working in wet conditions. If you are, you are going to want a caster with Delrin Bearings, which work best around liquids.
Working in high-heat environments? Then a caster using Bronze Bearings is your best bet, as they work in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weight Capacity
There are casters that can support 100-150 pounds of weight as well as ones that can support up to 20,000 pounds. It is crucial to make sure you know both which you have and which you need to avoid catastrophic workplace errors. Looking to support a few hundred pounds? Plate Mount Casters, Stem Mount Casters, Dolly Casters, or Furniture Casters may be what you’re looking for. If you need to support the heavier end of things, you’d want to go with Ergonomic Casters, Kinpinless Casters, or Extra Heavy Duty Casters. There are also Shock Absorbing Casters if you have heavy weight capacity with the potential for movement on the moving equipment.
Floor Condition
Different than environment, floor condition is important to know what kind of wheel and bearing your caster might need. Uneven or inconsistent flooring? You might need a pneumatic wheel or a rubber wheel with iron core. Shock Absorbing Casters are a good choice when the movement is generated from the conditions of the rolling surface. On the other end, if the conditions are good, or smooth, you would want to go with a caster using a radial ball bearing, best for a smooth roll.
Rotation
A caster can be rigid or swivel. Rigid casters won’t spin and are best intended for back-and-forth motions. We offer a wide selection of Stainless Rigid Casters. Swivel casters can spin up to 360 degrees and are intended for use on equipment with constant, irregular movement.
Wheel Type
There are multiple wheel types available that, combined with different axle and bearing styles, can perfectly fit your needs. Molden Polyurethane to Iron Core wheels, for example, are made from resin and pressed under very high temperatures to offer chemical resistant protection. Depending on the diameter of the wheel, they can support between 400 – 4,000 pounds. V-Groove wheels are intended for track use and can support upwards of 8,000 pounds. Looking for parts for your loading equipment? Then pneumatic wheels, which use a traditional inflated tube, would be your best. We have wheels with a diameter as small as 1 ⅝” (Polyolefin Wheels & Performa Rubber Wheels) to as large as 12” (Multiple styles available).
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when choosing the right caster to meet your needs. That’s why we are available for you to contact anytime to take advantage of our expertise. Use the form on this page or call us at 800-333-3422 if you still need help.