Casters

Start with three factors: the weight each caster must support (divide total load by the number of casters, then add a 30% safety margin), your floor surface (smooth concrete, tile, carpet, rough asphalt), and your environment (dry warehouse, wet washdown area, high-temperature oven). These three variables narrow the field to a specific duty class, wheel material, and mounting type.

Swivel casters rotate 360 degrees on a ball-bearing raceway, allowing equipment to turn and maneuver in tight spaces. Rigid casters, also called fixed casters, only roll forward and backward in a straight line. Most mobile equipment uses a combination -- typically two swivel casters for steering and two rigid casters for directional stability.

We stock polyurethane (floor-protective, high capacity), rubber (quiet, shock-absorbing), cast iron (maximum load capacity for industrial use), phenolic (economical heavy-duty), nylon (chemical and moisture resistant), and polypropylene (washdown-safe, non-marking). Each material is suited to specific load ranges and floor conditions.

Many of our casters are available with integrated braking systems. Options include cam brakes (foot-operated wheel lock), top-lock brakes (locks both wheel and swivel), and side-lock brakes. Brakes are essential for equipment that must remain stationary during loading, unloading, or operation.