Casters are used in all sorts of environments — including those with low temperatures. From carts in areas with single digit temperatures and lots of snow to dollies used for transporting food to cold storage areas, there are many instances where casters are exposed to the cold.
However, not all types of casters function well in extremely cold environments. Certain materials perform better, while others are more likely to fail and cause damages or injuries.
Below are a few factors and caster options to consider when choosing the best casters for extremely cold environments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Casters
Low temperatures can affect not only the casters themselves but also the surface or flooring they are used on. Cold environments can also cause wet or frozen patches on the floor; with the wrong type of casters, these can lead to skidding and accidents.
Key factors to consider for cold-use casters include:
- Mobility. Look for casters that do not restrict mobility or require over-exertion. This means using casters with low starting resistance and low rolling resistance.
- Safety. Slippery floors are common in cold environments, so look for casters that have added safety measures, such as brakes, to help stop the cart immediately when needed.
- Resilience. Look for casters made from more durable and cold-proof materials for greater durability and resilience against brittleness, cracking, and other damage.
- Moisture. Look for casters that can keep moisture out and ensure its lubricated parts do not freeze up.
- Lubrication. The wrong type of grease can freeze your casters and make them seize. Look for casters that use grease that can withstand even double-digit negative temperatures.
- Wheel bearings. Look for wheel bearings that are rated for cold environments. Ideally, look for casters with precision ball bearings, as these are pipe-sealed and rated for temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius or -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recommended Caster Wheel Materials
Certain materials make casters better suited for extremely cold environments. Key materials to look for include:
Performa Rubber
Performa rubber is one of the best materials for caster wheels due to its high durability and resistance to extreme temperatures. This results in casters consistently performing well, even in the cold.
Phenolic Resin
Similar to performa rubber, phenolic resin can cope with extremely low temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius or -49 degrees Fahrenheit.
Polyurethane
Many consider polyurethane casters superior to most rubber caster wheels due to having higher abrasion and tear resistance, load bearing capacity, and temperature resistance. Polyurethane also has low roll resistance.
Stainless Steel
The snow and ice caused by cold environments or freezing weather can lead to highly corrosive conditions that can damage the components of casters. Stainless steel components are stronger and more resilient against cold temperatures.
3 Best Casters for Cold Environments
Based on all these key factors and materials, here are our choices for the best caster wheels for cold environments:
Colson Stainless Steel Performa Locking Swivel Caster 4″
This particular Colson Stainless Steel swivel caster tops our list as it checks almost all the requirements. It’s made of high-quality performa rubber, has a polyolefin core, and stainless steel components. It also has a brake or locking mechanism, swivel mechanism, and a corrosion-resistant Delrin bearing.
Blickle Stainless Steel Locking Caster 8″
The eight-inch Blickle caster also checks most requirements for cold-use casters. It features a total-lock brake, swivel plate for better mobility, precision ball bearings, and solid rubber wheels. Additionally, its components are all stainless steel. The main difference from the Colson swivel caster is its size and wheel core material, which is made of nylon.
Trio Pines 5150D Stainless Steel Series Polyurethane Tread Swivel Caster 5″ (Red)
Instead of rubber, the Trio Pines 5150D swivel caster has a polyurethane wheel. Like our previous two caster recommendations, this one also features durable stainless steel components and a swivel plate for better mobility. It also uses Delrin bearings and is rated for temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find the Best Casters for Extremely Cold Environments
There are many other casters that can perform well in low temperatures. In general, we highly recommend getting caster wheels that have a performa rubber or polyurethane wheel, a polyolefin core, and stainless steel components or finishings.
For more assistance on finding the best casters for cold environments or any questions about industrial caster wheels, visit the LINCO contact page or call us at (866) 306-9566.