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Casters & Wheels

Casters & Wheels

Swivel, rigid, locking and leveling casters by load rating.

Also searched as: swivel castersindustrial wheelslocking castersheavy duty casters

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About casters & wheels

Casters and wheels provide mobility for equipment, carts, and machinery. Casters integrate a wheel into a mounting assembly, allowing for directional movement. The primary types include swivel casters, which permit 360-degree rotation of the wheel relative to the mounting plate, and rigid casters, which maintain a fixed orientation. Locking casters incorporate a brake mechanism to prevent wheel rotation or swivel action, while leveling casters combine mobility with a stable, adjustable base for stationary positioning. Selection is primarily driven by load rating, expressed in pounds or kilograms, which dictates the required wheel diameter, tread width, and bearing type. Common wheel materials include polyurethane, rubber, nylon, and cast iron, each offering different characteristics for floor protection, noise reduction, and load capacity. Tread types range from flat to crowned. Mounting options typically include top plate, stem (threaded or unthreaded), and kingpinless designs. Bearing types, such as roller bearings, ball bearings, and plain bores, affect rolling resistance and load distribution. Finishes often involve zinc plating for corrosion resistance or powder coating for durability.

How to choose

Selecting the appropriate caster or wheel begins with determining the required load capacity per caster, considering the total load and the number of casters. Next, evaluate the operating environment: floor type (concrete, tile, carpet) dictates wheel material and tread hardness for optimal performance and floor protection. Consider if maneuverability is paramount, necessitating swivel casters, or if straight-line tracking is preferred, indicating rigid casters. The need for stationary positioning requires locking or leveling casters. Finally, assess the mounting method – top plate dimensions, stem diameter, and thread specifications must match the equipment interface. Trade-offs involve load capacity versus floor protection, maneuverability versus stability, and initial cost versus long-term durability.