What You Need to Know about Industrial Caster Wheels

If reading this, you may already know that heavy duty casters come in all sizes, depending on your specific needs. Actually, caster wheels come in different materials, sizes, tread widths, and load ratings to give your equipment mobility in many kinds of work environments.

For those who might not know, a caster is made up of an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel mounted to a rig. In general, all industrial casters fall under a heavy-duty caster classification.

But within this heavy-duty rating, you will find different weight capacities based on the caster and wheel’s construction and overall durability. From heavy duty to extra heavy duty, the ranges can go from 2,000 lbs. to 50,000 lbs. and up.

It is important to note that the needs of plants, warehouses, and factories vary, but there are also some shared considerations. Worker safety, a cart’s weight capacity, and the push required can all come into play.

All these factors help determine what type of wheel and wheel material you need. Many can attest to the fact that the best compromise between load capacity and floor protection is offered by polyurethane treads.

The good thing with polyurethane is that they happen to be chemical resistant, heat resistant, and offer rolling resistance benefits. What this means is that you can always formulate a wheel to your specifications. Keep in mind there is a variety of Durometers that you can choose from depending on your needs.

Keep in mind the hardness of softness of caster wheels has specific benefits. Carts with wheels made from materials are generally easier to get moving than casters made from softer materials. Harder wheels tend to have a lower rolling resistance which makes them quite easier to push.

However, caster wheels made from softer materials are generally quieter and more forgiving since they transmit less vibration. Iron, forged steel, and mold-on rubber are also some other available options when looking to buy the best industrial casters.

Steel or iron wheel are ideal in industrial applications where strength, capacity, and operational efficiency are critical. These casters are perfect for hauling heavy loads, and their steel design resist corrosion and failure better than many other materials. In high-temperature applications up to 600° F, both cast iron and steel wheels work. As temperatures rise past 600° F, the caster’s load rating is reduced as the steel iron loses strength.

Before getting in touch with a caster wheel manufacturer, you need to factor in the pros and cons of steel vs. iron wheels. After all, you want to ensure you reap maximum benefits. In a nutshell, forged steel wheels can support 30% greater loads than Grey Iron and are more costly to machine to final dimensions.

Things tend to be a bit different with cast iron wheels since they can support a significant amount of weight and make an excellent bonding surface for a urethane tire. Be sure to factor this in the next time you visit Comfort Castors, a top caster wheel manufacturer in India.