When considering a kingpin vs. kingpinless caster, would you know which one to pick to suit your industrial needs? Learn the differences between kingpin casters and kingpinless casters from Caster Central. We'll tell you which ones best suit each industrial application.

Reach out to Caster Central today for all your industrial caster manufacturing needs.

Kingpin Caster Design Benefits and Drawbacks

Below, we break down the design and the advantages versus disadvantages of kingpin casters.

Kingpin Caster - How Does it Work?

The parts that compose a kingpin caster, or traditional caster, include:

• Top plate - connects the assembly to your industrial application
• Kingpin - the central pin in the assembly
• Upper and lower races - hold the load
• Upper and lower bearings - allow movement

A pin-based assembly allows the kingpin swivel caster to move freely in all directions. The centralized swivel pin aligns the upper and lower races holding the ball bearings.

Benefits of Kingpin Swivel Casters

The main advantage of a caster with a kingpin is that you can adjust the pin to control the swivel ability as necessary. This feature is helpful if your heavy loads travel through areas with inclines where unexpected movement changes pose the risk of damage. Adjusting the swivel can prevent harm.

You can also adjust the central nut to manage wear patterns over time and extend the kingpin assembly's lifespan. The build of the kingpin caster also allows users to clean the swivel section as needed.

Potential Drawbacks of Kingpin Casters

The primary drawback of the kingpin design is that the pin bears the brunt of the thrust and load action. Over time, the pin will wear down and become more likely to fail. 

These casters are also not ideal for higher speeds or fast cornering. Their maximum speed rating commonly falls between two and three miles per hour, or the walking speed of the average human. Going beyond this rating will cause the pin to shear.

The kingpin vs. kingpinless caster discussion doesn’t end here. Let’s take a closer look at the kingpinless design below.

Kingpinless Caster Design Benefits and Drawbacks

You might be surprised to learn that a kingpin caster and a kingpinless caster have stark differences. Learn more about the kingpinless caster's design elements and the pros and cons of these unique swivel casters.

Kingpinless Swivel Caster - How Does it Work?

The kingpinless design, in contrast to the traditional caster, relies on simplified interlocking races that hold the ball bearings to allow smooth movement. The build involves the following essential parts:

• Top plate and upper ball race
• Yoke base with lower race and ball bearings

The bearings handle all the work, evenly spreading the weight of the load without depending on a kingpin.

Benefits of Kingpinless Casters

A kingpinless caster's simplified design allows for a wider, more stable spread of the caster's load. This stability feature enhances load distribution and allows the caster to move at a higher speed.

The improved distribution also allows for heavier caster load ratings while maintaining cost efficiency. The robust assembly can tolerate higher-impact loads while better resisting the wear and tear of daily industrial use.

By eliminating the kingpin, you also reduce the regular maintenance requirements and unwanted adjustments in maneuverability.

Potential Drawbacks of Kingpinless Casters

At this point, you might think there’s a clear winner in the kingpin vs. kingpinless caster debate. However, kingpinless casters have a drawback for some industrial caster applications.

These casters aren’t ideal for applications where your swivels will require adjustment for safe operation in various environments. In some cases, you may be able to install a swivel restrictor device after initial assembly. However, older or worn-down swivel raceways can hamper the efficacy of the installation.

If you’re still unsure which caster to choose for your industrial and commercial needs, contact Caster Central today for expert guidance.

The Importance of the Right Caster for Your Business

Do you know why choosing the right high-quality caster is critical for your business's safety and efficiency? Using low-quality casters or the wrong caster for your needs can cause multi-faceted problems. These caster-related issues can include the following:

• Profit loss
• Worker injury
• Employee overexertion
• Costly insurance claims
• Productivity reduction

You want to prevent these caster-related problems before they have a chance to occur. You can accomplish that goal by investing in the right caster for each application in your business. It is far more cost-effective to search for the best industrial or commercial caster than choosing a cheaper or ill-suited caster.

Are you still feeling unsure about picking the right casters for your business? Consult with the caster manufacturing professionals at Caster Central. We offer expert guidance and safe, durable products that perfectly meet your needs.

Professional Caster Manufacturing and Maintenance

Caster Central provides knowledgeable caster manufacturing and maintenance. Our team can help every industry find the right caster for their industrial applications. We are a leading distributor of casters and wheels, providing material-handling solutions with a satisfaction guarantee.

A small selection of our caster and wheel inventory includes:

• Light-duty, small casters with locking rubber or propylene wheels. This type is for furniture and supply carts.
• Medium-duty casters and nylon or rubber wheels. These models are great options for the hospitality and food-processing industries.
• Heavy-duty stainless steel or iron casters. Choose these casters for heavy-weight automotive purposes up to 5,400 pounds or high-temp applications up to +800 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Phenolic wheels, which are ideal for industries using a range of hot and cold processes. These casters have a temperature range rating of -65 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit.

The options might seem overwhelming, but the Caster Central team is here to help. The kingpin vs. kingpinless caster conversation winner depends on each application. Tell us what you need, and we will help you find the right caster.

Learn more about the dependable caster solutions we provide at Caster Central. Call us today at 1-800-445-4082 or visit our website to browse our extensive inventory.