Caster wheels are designed to aid transportation of materials across the floor. Pulling or pushing a piece of equipment on the floor can be tedious without the right caster wheels. It is, therefore, essential to choose the best caster wheels that will work best for you.
Before purchasing caster wheels for your office furniture or household equipment, it is vital to consider the design, size, and shape of the casters. That will not only give you a sense of clarity but also help you make informed decisions.
In this article, we explore the applications and benefits of caster wheels. You will also get to understand all the factors you need to consider when selecting the wheels.
Why You Should Use Caster Wheels
Caster wheels offer numerous benefits that can streamline processes in an office, home, or industrial facility. Here are some of the benefits of using caster wheels:
- Improves Mobility –When you attach caster wheels to equipment, you can quickly move them around without struggles
- Saves on Energy – Caster wheels are designed to facilitate faster movement of equipment. It, therefore, keep users from using much energy while moving objects.
- Enhances Productivity – Caster wheels are used in manufacturing industries to facilitate the movement of products to storage facilities.
- Protects the Floor from Damages– Dragging heavy equipment can form scratches or skid marks on the floor. With caster wheels, you can reduce such cases.
- Saves on Time – Caster wheels can speed up the movement of equipment and products in a facility, reducing the time manufacturers spend on handling goods.
- Highly versatile– You can find a wide range of caster wheels in the market. They are available in different sizes, shapes, and designs.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing Caster Wheels
As mentioned earlier, different designs of caster wheels are available in the market. For that reason, it is always important to clearly define your requirements and expectations before purchasing the casters.
If you intend to buy an industrial caster wheel, you should consult your engineers. They can professionally determine the specific material and design they need. That is because industrial caster wheels are technically more sophisticated than the regular ones.
Here are the eight steps to follow when buying caster wheels.
1. Determine the Application of the Caster Wheels
When it comes to application, caster wheels can be used in homes, offices, or industries. Caster wheels meant for homes and offices can carry light-weight equipment of up to 250 pounds. They cannot withstand transportation of heavy objects.
Industrial casters, also known as heavy-duty caster wheels, are designed to support heavy equipment in industries. They can carry loads of up to 20,000 pounds. One great thing about them is that they have numerous break options.
If you are searching for caster wheels suitable for hospitals, medium-duty caster wheels can be your best shot. They can handle medium-sized materials of up to 1,500 pounds. These wheels can also be used in laundry carts and waste disposal trucks.
2. Check the Load Capacity of the Caster Wheels
One of the most critical things to consider when selecting casters is the maximum amount of load they can carry. The information can help you establish the load capacity of casters. Load capacity is the ratio of the total weight to the number of caster wheels.
Generally, casters with high load capacities can handle heavy loads. On that note, industrial caster wheels have higher load capacities than office or home caster wheels. Selecting the right casters is another way of promoting the safety of workers.
3. Consider the Operating Environment
The environment in which the caster wheels will operate is also a vital factor to consider. It determines the type of material that will work best in a particular work condition.
For instance, if you intend to use casters in a corrosive environment, you can select those made of polyurethane or steel. Rubber casters are not suitable for environments full of caustic chemicals like acids.
4. Check Your Floor Conditions
Before selecting caster wheels, you should consider the features of your floor. Hard caster wheels are suitable for soft and smooth floors. Soft casters, on the other hand, performs better on rough floors.
If you are looking for an excellent way to protect your floor, selecting softer caster wheels can be a great solution. They are also convenient for floors with obstacles like rails. Such casters include rubber and polyurethane wheels.
5. Determine the Type of Movement You Need
When selecting caster wheels, think about how maneuverable you want the equipment to be. It will help you determine whether you should purchase the rigid or swivel casters.
- Rigid Casters– Rigid casters, also known as fixed casters, can only move forth and back on a straight line. They are commonly used to support and move heavy loads. Most people consider them stronger than swivel casters.
- Swivel Casters – Swivel casters can move in all directions because they rotate at 360 degrees. These wheels respond quickly to any change in direction. However, positioning the casters to point in the same direction can take time.
6. Establish the Type of Material You Need
Casters come in a wide range of materials such as rubber, polyurethane, nylon, cast iron, aluminium, and glass-filled nylon. Caster wheels made of these materials have various features and work best in different types of conditions.
| Type of Wheel | Features |
| Rubber wheels | · Absorbs shock
· Allows smooth and quiet movement · Suitable for timber, concrete, and tiled floors |
| Polyurethane wheels | · Prolonged tread life
· Ideal for almost all types of floors · Can withstand corrosive environments |
| Nylon wheels | · Lower rolling resistance
· Ideal for refrigerated areas · Suitable for hard, smooth, and carpeted surfaces |
| Cast iron wheels | · High load capacity
· Extreme resistance to heat · Can damage or leave marks on floors |
| Aluminium wheels | · Highest heat resistance
· Suitable for heat equipment like bakery ovens · Load capacity slightly lower than cast iron wheels |
| Glass-filled nylon | · Ideal for concrete floors
· Consists of nylon and glass fibers · Can withstand low and high temperatures |
7. Consider You Special Requirements
Certain conditions require you to select caster wheels with special features. You need to pinpoint your special needs first to help you choose the right casters.
For instance, casters used in hospitals should have features that will promote the safety of patients. Textile industries use caster wheels with thread guards that can prevent strings from sticking onto them.
8. Purchase the Caster Wheels from a Reputable Company
Buying caster wheels from a highly reliable manufacturer is just as important as selecting the right choice of caster wheels. Companies like Hengshui Yutong Metal Company are one of the most trusted caster wheel manufacturers across China.
For the last 16 years of operation, Hengshui Yutong has proved to be the best company manufacturing various types of caster wheels. By prioritizing on the customers’ needs and requirements, the manufacturer has accumulated quality reviews worldwide.
At Hengshui Yutong, you would find high-quality caster wheels made of various materials, including nylon, rubber, iron, polyurethane, and polymer. You don’t need to worry about prices as we offer the most affordable and competitive prices. All you have to do is place an order, and we’ll deliver your products in 3-4 days.
Final Words
Finding the right caster wheels for your tasks can be challenging since there are numerous options in the market. You need to prepare in advance to avoid or reduce the inconveniences that might arise when purchasing the caster wheels.
Remember to evaluate all the factors mentioned above before selecting the casters. Once you’ve determined the condition of your floor and the load capacity of the casters, you need to work out your budget. Buy the caster wheels that are within your working budget.
