How to Select the Proper Casters and Wheels for Your Application
Many factors must be taken into consideration in order to select the proper industrial caster or wheel. To make the most appropriate selection for your application, consider the following:
Load Weight – The heavier the load, the larger the wheel required for the caster. The weight of the load also influences wheel mobility. For heavy duty loads over 400 lbs., roller or ball bearings are recommended.
Floor Conditions – Be sure the wheel selected is large enough to pass over cracks in the floor, tracks, molding, and other obstructions. Use polyurethane or Performa rubber wheels for floor protection on linoleum, tile, carpet, etc.
Unusual Conditions – Each wheel material has characteristics which will provide the best results where unusual conditions exist. For example Polyurethane, polyolefin, phenolic, or steel wheels are recommended where acids, oils, chemicals, and other substances harmful to rubber are present.
Rolling Ease – The larger the wheel, the easier it rolls. While roller bearing wheels can carry heavier loads, ball bearing wheels roll more easily but carry lighter loads. Whenever possible, use the largest ball bearing wheel necessary for best results.
Extreme Climates – Room temperatures are not a problem for most casters. However extreme cold and heat can be a problem. Bastian Industrial Engineering Technology casters come standard with lubrication designed to withstand temperatures from 450A�F below zero to 2600A�F above zero.
Shock Load – The impact caused by dropping a load on a cart or truck, or by rolling on a rough surface. When encountering shock loading, you will need to look at four things: construction of the caster, type of kingpin, swivel bearing, and the composition of the wheel.
Caster Types
Rigid – A rigid caster has a rigid yoke and wheel assembly which permits only straight-line movement.
Swivel – A swivel caster has a swivel yoke and wheel assembly that will allow rotation of 360 degrees, which permits movement in any direction.
Locking – A locking caster is an assembly that can be locked in place by some sort of mechanic device.
Caster Parts Definitions & Nomenclature
Wheel Diameter – Wheel diameter is the outer nominal diameter of the wheel.
Bolt Hole Spacing – Bolt hole spacing is the distance measured from the center of the bolt hole to the opposite center of the other bolt hole.
caster Size – A loose term for classifying casters, based on the nominal diameter of the Getting An Electrical Apprenticeship wheel. For example, a “6 inch caster” is any caster having a 6 inch diameter wheel.
Hub Length Hub length is the widest part of the hub (including bearing assembly and thread guards).
Overall Height – Overall height is the vertical distance between floor and mounting plate. (NOTE: casters with threaded stems are measured to the top washer and do not include the length of the threaded stem).
Bore Diameter – Bore diameter is the distance measured through the center of the wheel.
Tread Width/Face …