Whether you’re pushing a cart across a production facility or rolling your chair to an adjacent desk, you need your wheels to safely and smoothly take you from one spot to the next. Knowing the best caster bearing types for particular applications helps you achieve the best mobility. After choosing your mount types and caster wheels, finding the right caster bearing types ensures that you can put together the safest, most effective type of manual transportation. 

Important Considerations Before Choosing Caster Bearings

Using the wrong caster bearing can make it more difficult to use the platform or object that you need to wheel around. Keep in mind the following to help you choose the right option.

Mobility

Casters help make your equipment more mobile. Because of this, paying attention to your mobility options is crucial. Mobility is affected by both inherent factors — such as wheel size — and external factors — like your flooring or equipment weight. Take into consideration environmental concerns, equipment size and weight, and where and how you'll need to move your equipment. This will help you pick out the right bearing for your needs.

Environment

Do you operate in high-humidity conditions? Do you live in an area that regularly reaches high temperatures? If so, then you'll want to be careful when choosing caster bearings. Some caster bearing types can't withstand high heat or humidity, so it's important to choose ones with resistance to these concerns.

In addition, you'll want to consider what kind of work you do and choose bearings accordingly. For example, if your factory or plant uses dangerous chemicals, you need corrosion-resistant casters, wheels, and bearings.

Load Capacity

Some caster bearings can handle heavier loads than others, while others perform better under lighter weights. Bear in mind that caster bearings for heavy loads tend to roll slower and can wear out faster.

Operation Duration

The length of time you use caster bearings and the way that you use them affects how long those load bearings can go without replacement or repair. Utilizing the right type of caster bearing affects the longevity of the equipment.

14 Types of Caster Bearings

The caster bearing you choose improves maneuverability, including the ease and speed at which a wheel swivels and how smoothly the wheel rolls. Caster bearings also affect how well a platform works in various temperatures and environmental conditions and how the platform’s rolling behaves in the presence of corrosive materials

Some of the most common caster bearings include these 14 types.

1. Delrin Bearing

The Delrin bearing works well in many applications, such as during steam cleaning, excessively moist environments, and through a number of temperatures. Made of strong plastic, Delrin bearings withstand many types of conditions and resist corrosion.

2. Roller Bearing

 Roller bearings can carry heavy loads. With a split outer race shell, the roller assembly slips into the shell, with hardened washers holding the bearings in place.

3. Bronze Bearing

Bronze bearings literally have the make-up of the metal in their name. This type of metal makes the bearing extremely durable, standing up to a range of extreme temperatures and humidity levels.

4. Taper Roller Bearing

These bearings consist of a cup making up the piece’s outer ring encompassing the cone, or inner ring, rollers, and cage. Taper rollers produce low friction between their tapers, increasing their performance regardless of the loads.

5. Annular Ball Bearing

Annular ball bearings have hardened raceways, making them easy to roll while maintaining quiet movements. These bearings work best with light to medium loads.

6. Needle Roller Bearing

Longer than other bearings and made with a smaller radial dimension, needle roller bearings can lengthen the lifetime of your wheels by preventing stress peaks to them or their casters.

7. Plain Bearings

As the most common of caster bearing types, plain bearings cost the least, have a lightweight build, and can carry extremely heavy loads. Some people call them ‘slide bearings.’

8. Sleeve Bearings

Sometimes confused with plain bearings, sleeve bearings use an actual sleeve in their creation, sometimes consisting of plastic, metal, or composite material. Otherwise, sleeve bearings share much of their build with plain bearings.

9. Deep-groove Ball Bearings

Deep-groove ball bearings are commonly used for their versatility and durability. These bearings require little maintenance and work well under many different conditions, making them an excellent choice for many individuals.

10. Spherical Roller Bearing

If you need to transport heavy items — or simply plan on using a certain platform frequently — then a spherical roller bearing could be a good choice. These bearings need little maintenance and are incredibly durable, able to withstand harsh impacts without too much trouble.

11. Cylindrical Roller Bearing

If you're concerned with speed, then cylindrical roller bearings may be an excellent option. The rolling rings inside the bearing create faster movement, allowing you to transport items more quickly. In addition, they have a higher radial load capacity than some other bearings.

12. Oilite and Bronze Bearing

Do you need bearings that are corrosion-, humidity-, and heat-resistant? If so, oilite and bronze bearings might be a good option. They offer incredible functionality, working well in a range of conditions at slow movement speeds. The reason for this lies in this bearing’s oil, which works to provide lubrication whenever the bearing gets used.

13. Precision Tapered Bearing

If you need a bearing capable of carrying a heavy load,  you can’t ask for anything better than precision tapered bearings. These bearings absorb large loads and handle rough and fast packing with no problems.

14. Precision Sealed Ball Bearing

Requiring low maintenance while offering the easiest rolling actions, these bearings work with little to no noise for loads of medium or heavy weight. These types of bearings don’t work well for impact loads.

What Happens if You Install the Wrong Type of Caster Bearing?

Purchasing and installing the wrong type of caster bearing may cause you to put too much stress on the wheels, making them prone to breakage or needing consistent maintenance. You should always consider how you plan to use a particular platform to determine the right type of caster bearing. In addition, you'll want to think about useability; consider the following:

• Do you need something that's easy to move?
• Do you need something that can swivel?
• Would having a solid brake system be beneficial?

Choosing the wrong bearing may mean you'll need to replace or upgrade it, so think carefully before making a purchase.

Various Caster Bearings Available at Caster Central

Finding the right caster bearings will make operations easier. Some bearings are better at withstanding impacts; others are chemical-resistant enough to suit any factory floor. Plenty of caster bearing types are available, each with its own advantages, and you need to decide which ones work for you.

That said, the decision isn't always easy. You have countless options to choose from and may not be certain which suits your situation. At Caster Central, we have the knowledge necessary to help you pick the right one. Our professionals will speak with you to get a better idea of your situation and explain our caster bearing types. Once you've decided on an option, we'll ship your purchase promptly and safely.

We boast an incredible stock of ball casters, wheels, and more. Find the right type of caster bearings for your situation by working with us. Call (800) 445-4082 or contact us online to speak to a professional. Enjoy outstanding customer support, high-quality products, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee.