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    • Please inquire about our American made products. We have product lines that have all or most of their components manufactured in the USA!

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    How to select the Proper Caster & Wheel

    There is no simple formula or rule that can be followed in selecting the proper casters. Many individual factors must be
    balanced to make the selection. The following are several of the more important considerations.

     
     
    Load Weight.  The heavier the load, the larger the wheel required for the caster. The weight of the load also
    influences the mobility of the wheel. Roller or ball bearings are recommended for loads over 400 pounds. Weight
    capacities are shown for each caster on our website.
     
    Floor Conditions. Make sure the wheel you select is large enough to pass over cracks in the floor, tracks, moldings
    and other obstructions. For floor protection on linoleum, tile, carpet, etc., use polyurethane or Performa rubber wheels.

                                                                                                                                                     

    Rubber
    Rolls quietly
    Protects floors

    Polyurethane
    Resists chemicals,
    Protects floors

    Pneumatic
    Rolls quietly,
    Absorbs shock

    Polyolefin
    Harse use,
    Impact resistant

     

    Steel
    High Capacity,
    extremely durable

    		  
    Carpet    X X X X    
    Brick X X X X    
    Concrete X X X X X  
    Linoleum X X X X    
    Asphalt X X X      
    Wood X X X      
    Smooth Steel    X X X X X  
    Ribbed Steel X X        
    Tile X X X  
     
    Unusual conditions. Each wheel material has certain characteristics which will give the best results where unusual
    conditions exist. For example, where acids, oils, chemicals and other conditions harmful to rubber are present,
    polyurethane,  polyolefin, Maxim, phenolic or steel wheels are recommended. Check conditions, then select caster
    and wheel.
     
    Rolling Ease.  The larger the wheel diameter, the easier it rolls. Roller bearings carry heavier loads.
    Ball bearings roll easier but carry lesser loads. When possible, use the largest ball bearing wheel for best results.
     
    Extreme Climates. Room temperatures are no problem for most casters, but extreme cold or heat
    can be a problem. (Note: Some wheel types should not be used in extreme temperature ranges.
    See our high temperature casters for more information.)
     
    		   
     
      
     

    Caster Combinations for Mobile Equipment

     
    In building, repairing, and refurbishing mobile equipment, various effective caster combinations may be used.
    Several types of mountings are illustrated below.
     
    Three Swivel. For barrel dollies and small portable machines. Affords excellent maneuverability. Be sure to select casters designed to take the weight load on three casters rather than the usual four.
    		  
    Tilt Mounting. A tilt mounting is the most economical, but should be limited to lighter loads. The tilt is best when the load wheels are 1/8" taller than the balance wheels. Not recommended for use on ramps.
    		  
    Four Swivel. Where a side motion is frequently needed, the four swivel arrangement is excellent. If the casters are equipped with swivel locks, this mounting is also practical for long straight travel as well as use on ramps. A most versatile arrangement.
    		  
    Two Rigid, Two Swivel. Most practical and inexpensive arrangement for straight and/or long distances. Can be used for heavy or medium loads, depending upon the weight capacity of the casters selected.
     
    		  
    Diamond Mounting. Two rigid and two swivel casters, but the diamond shaped mounting greatly increases maneuverability. This mounting is not recommended for ramps.
    		  
    Four Swivel, Two Rigid. This is a level mounting design for heavy loads and long trucks. The two rigid casters help to distribute and reduce the load on the swivel units and thereby maintain good maneuverability and easy steering.