A caster is a wheel and mount assembly. Casters support and facilitate the movement of carts, racks, dollies, and other equipment. Casters come in various materials, wheel diameters, tread widths, load ratings, and overall heights to provide mobility for your equipment in various work environments. Consider the following when deciding which type of caster is best for you.
Choosing a caster wheel
Choosing a caster wheel is an important step in optimizing the productivity of your equipment. It will minimize the internal handling cost and make rolling and turning easier for employees. The casters can also help you reduce employee fatigue and accidents. If you are in the medical field, consider purchasing a caster wheel made of nylon, a more durable material.
Before you make your purchase, it is important to consider the environment where you’ll be using the caster. Some wheels are designed to be used in extremely cold or hot environments. Choose a wheel that can withstand your conditions and avoid accidents. In heavy-duty applications, durability is a key factor, so make sure to purchase a durable caster that can be used for a long time.
Choosing a wheel material
When using caster wheels, choosing the right material for the application is important. There are several common materials used for wheels. However, each material has unique benefits and drawbacks. Using a caster with a soft rubber wheel will provide extra cushioning to a delicate load, while a harder wheel with a hard rubber tread will prevent marking and damage to the floor.
Choosing a wheel material for industrial applications is important because it will be exposed to higher loads, which can put a person in danger. Typically, a larger wheel diameter will make rolling easier. Using the correct wheel type for your application is crucial to ensuring that your staff is safe and protected. Also, make sure to consider the capacity and load capacity of the wheels you select.
Choosing a wheel size
When choosing the correct caster wheel size, consider how much weight the item will carry. Generally, the larger the wheel, the faster it will roll and how much you’ll need to push or pull the item. You can also consider the floor’s conditions and the noise level. Also, consider how frequently the item will need to roll over obstacles. When selecting wheels for your casters, it’s important to remember that different types of wheels have different characteristics and will perform better under unusual conditions. Consider whether your casters will be in constant contact with chemicals, exposed to excessive heat, or blood and fats. Choosing the right wheels for your application will help reduce internal handling costs and increase productivity. However, when choosing wheels for your business, you may want to look for models made of 304 stainless steel.
Choosing a swivel radius
The swivel radius of a caster is a critical consideration when using it to move a heavy load. Not only does it improve ergonomics, but it can also reduce the amount of force required to move the item. Choosing the right swivel radius can prevent workplace accidents and reduce downtime. The radius is also important when purchasing replacement casters for a set.
The diameter of a caster wheel is the diameter of the wheel without metal attachments. When choosing a caster, choosing the right swivel radius is important because an improperly sized caster will not roll well or move at all. To determine the correct swivel radius, measure the distance between the center of the kingpin and the back edge of the wheel.
Choosing a caster with a large swivel radius
Choosing a large swivel radius caster is critical for your heavy-duty applications. The right swivel radius will enhance ergonomics and reduce the force required to move the load. It will decrease downtime and prevent workplace accidents. Swivel radius is a measurement between the center of the kingpin and the back edge of the wheel. The bigger the radius, the better. Likewise, a caster’s wheel diameter must be big enough to negotiate the special floor conditions for your application.
Greasing caster wheels
The proper maintenance of caster wheels requires regular greasing. Therefore, it is important to lubricate them monthly and, ideally, every time you wash them. If you can, buy high-quality casters and lubricate them regularly. They will last longer and require less maintenance, thus reducing the replacement cost. However, it would help if you never neglected lubricating your casters unless they have severe wear and tear.
In addition to lubricating caster wheels, you should also take care of their hardware. The hardware is critical, preventing the wheels from slipping or moving. They work against the force of gravity daily, and you should keep them properly lubricated to ensure they last as long as possible. However, it would help if you did not forget to grease them every few weeks – it is advisable to lubricate them daily.
Featured Image Credit: Access Casters Inc.
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