Measure the current wheel diameter, axle bore size, and tread width. Most hand trucks use 8" or 10" wheels with a 5/8" axle bore. If you are switching from pneumatic to solid rubber or semi-pneumatic, match the overall diameter to maintain the same handle height. Our team can help you match by brand and model if you are unsure.

Polyurethane is the most popular choice for warehouse concrete. It rolls easily, protects sealed concrete surfaces from marking, handles heavy loads (up to 1,200+ lbs per caster), and resists flat-spotting from stationary loads. For rough or damaged concrete, consider a larger wheel diameter (5" or 6") to roll over cracks and debris more easily.

Add the weight of the empty cart to the maximum load it will carry. Divide that total by the number of casters (usually 4). Then multiply by a safety factor of 1.25 for smooth floors or 1.5 for rough surfaces and impact loading. Example: a 100 lb cart carrying 600 lbs on 4 casters needs at least 219 lbs per caster (700 ÷ 4 × 1.25).

Most wire shelving uses grip ring stem casters. The standard Metro-compatible size is a 1" OD (outside diameter) grip ring stem. Lighter-duty shelving may use 7/8" OD stems. To check, pull an existing caster and measure the stem diameter, or look for the manufacturer's spec on the shelf post. We stock both sizes in multiple wheel materials.

Yes — all orders over $250 ship free via ground within the contiguous United States. Most in-stock items ship same or next business day from our Pembroke, MA warehouse. For large or heavy orders that require freight/LTL shipping, contact our team for a freight quote.

Absolutely. Our team handles custom specifications regularly — from selecting the right wheel material and diameter to recommending swivel/rigid configurations and brake types. Send us your equipment dimensions, expected load, and operating environment, and we will provide a recommendation. Contact us at sales@castercentral.com or use our Request a Quote form.