When it comes to moving heavy loads in industrial settings, casters are an essential piece of equipment. But, with so many different types and sizes of casters on the market, how do you know which one is right for your needs? Here is a quick guide to help you select the best industrial caster for your specific application.
Industrial Casters and Their Benefits
Industrial casters are wheels that are attached to the base of objects or equipment, allowing them to be rolled from one location to another. This type of wheel is designed to withstand heavy use and abuse, making them ideal for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other industrial facilities.
The main benefit of using industrial caster wheels is that they make it much easier to move heavy objects around. This not only makes the job easier for your employees but it can also help to prevent injuries. You will also find that industrial casters can help to increase productivity in your workplace and can even help to extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Caster
When you are choosing an industrial caster, there are a few things that you will need to take into account, such as:
Materials
The material of the industrial caster is one of the most important considerations because it needs to be strong enough to support the load and roll smoothly on the surface. If the caster will be used on a soft surface such as carpet, then a softer material such as nylon or rubber is ideal. If it is used to move heavy loads over rough surfaces, polyurethane casters are a good option because they have a hard wheel that is resistant to abrasion. For corrosive environments, our Medcaster Next Gen Nylon & Stainless Steel Caster is a great choice because it has a nylon body with a thermoplastic elastomer crowned tread that is corrosion-resistant.
Other common materials used for industrial casters include:
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Aluminum
Capacity
The amount of weight the industrial caster can support is also an important consideration. This will depend on the materials of the caster as well as the size and type of wheel. Depending on the specific application, different capacities may be required. Heavy-duty casters, for example, can support heavy loads on a frequent basis, whereas light-duty casters are better suited for lighter loads.
To determine the right capacity for your needs, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The weight of the load
- How often will the object be moved
- The type of surface on which the caster will be used
- The number of wheels needed
The LINCO 8” Heavy Duty Polyurethane Caster Wheel is a good option for heavy loads on a regular basis. With a set of four swivel casters, it can support up to 5,000 pounds of weight to meet the demands of industrial and commercial applications.
Features
In addition to capacity and material, there are other features to consider when selecting an industrial caster. These include:
- Swivel: A swivel caster has a wheel that can rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to change directions.
- Rigid: A rigid caster has a wheel that does not swivel but can move forward and backward in a linear motion.
- Brake: A brake caster has a locking mechanism that prevents the wheel from rolling when engaged.
These features will vary depending on the specific needs of the application. The LINCO Phenolic Kingpinless Swivel Caster is the perfect solution for high-capacity loads that require smooth movement in any direction. Its extended swivel radius and precision ball bearings for better swivel action make it ideal for use in medical and industrial applications.
The Bottom Line
Certain industrial casters are more appropriate for certain tasks than others. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one for the job. If you’re not sure which industrial caster is right for your needs, our team at LINCO can help you out.
We offer a wide variety of industrial casters made from different materials with a broad range of features. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about our products and what we can offer you.