Which Casters to Use

Deciding what casters to use takes time and consideration. There are many caster options to choose from regardless of whether you’re in the food service, medical, aerospace, manufacturing, furniture, or other industries. Read on to learn more about which casters to use to best suit your needs.

Factors to Consider When Buying Casters

There are several factors to consider in deciding which casters to use, including size, wheel material, loading capacity, and floor conditions. Before you can choose a caster, you must first think about how you will use it most.

For example, factories typically need larger casters with heat-resistant properties. If you’re working in this industry, choose heavy-duty casters that can withstand extreme heat. The wrong type of caster can break down in these settings.

Caster Size

Determining the ideal caster size depends on numerous factors, but here are some guidelines. 

●      If you’re transporting expensive items such as electronics, go for small casters. Doing so will enable you to take full control of your cargo. 

●      If you’re in the aerospace industry moving heavy equipment around, choose a spacious caster that can withstand heavy loads. 

●      If you’re in retail, choose large wheels to protect your floors. Casters with larger wheels are typically easier to roll.

Caster Wheel Size and Material

It’s important to learn about caster types to know how to choose the right caster wheels.

Wheels are crucial in deciding which casters to use. They play a critical role in a caster’s weight capacity. Typically, heavier loads require larger wheels that can distribute weight and roll with ease.

You can calculate the maximum wheel capacity by dividing the load weight by the number of wheels on a caster. If you want to move 1,000 pounds of equipment on a four-wheel caster, make sure each wheel can carry 250 pounds. Experts recommend ball bearing for loads exceeding 400 pounds.

Caster wheels come in different materials, and swivel and hardness levels. Manufacturers typically use metal, rubber, plastic, or polyurethane to develop caster wheels. They’re either swivel or rigid. Typically, harder caster wheels are more durable, easier to use, and have longer lifespans than softer ones. 

Choosing the right wheels can increase mobility, lessen employee burden, and enhance business processes. 

Environmental Factors When Buying Casters

Another tip in how to choose the right caster wheels is to consider the environment. Just as car tires work differently, caster wheels do too. Before you buy caster wheels, think of factors like flooring, indoor versus outdoor use, surface dryness, and general use.

Choosing the right caster wheels will help you transport items with ease and protect your floors from damage. If you’re working in an area with sensitive floors, choose polyurethane wheels to avoid cracking.

Heavy-Duty Casters

Heavy-duty casters are ideal for businesses that usually transport heavy loads. Here at LINCO, we consider a caster as heavy-duty if it can carry at least 600 pounds of load. These casters need wheels that can handle heavy loads and move on different types of floors with ease. Heavy-duty casters typically have brake options as an added safety measure.

Advice on Casters

If you’re having trouble deciding what casters to use for maximum efficiency, contact us or give us a call on our toll-free number 866-306-9566. We’ll gladly advise you on the best caster for you.