Industrial Casters Buyer’s Guide

There is no simple formula or rule that can be followed in selecting the proper casters. Many varying and individual factors must be balanced to make the selection which will do the best job for you. The following are several of the more important considerations.

• Load Weight – The heavier the load, the larger the wheel required for the caster. The weight of the load also influences the mobility of the wheel. Roller or ball bearings are recommended for loads over 400 pounds.

• Floor Conditions – Make sure the wheel you select is large enough to pass over cracks in the floor, tracks, moldings and other obstructions. For floor protection on linoleum, tile, etc., use polyurethane or rubber wheels. For carpeted floors, polyurethane is recommended.

• Rolling Ease – The larger the wheel, the easier it rolls. Roller bearings carry heavier loads. Ball bearings roll easier but carry lesser loads. When possible, use the largest ball bearing wheel for best results.

• Unusual Conditions – Each wheel material has certain characteristics which will give the best results where unusual conditions exist. Room temperatures are no problem for most casters. Corrosive environments, extreme heat or cold, oil or grease on the floor, small metal chips or other floor debris, and softer rolling surfaces, such as asphalt or gravel can be a problem.

Capacity FromLbs. Each  To 1400 15000 200 1000 150 600 250 1400 500 8000 200 3300 250 1000 250 1200 220 8400 250 1400 50 250 600 1200 75 475 300 4000 600 3000 Temp FDegrees,High toLow 800 -65 160 -20 160 -40 160 -45 250 -65 475 -65 180 -45 180 -40 200 -40 160 -45 160 -20 200 -40 160 -40 800 -65 800 -65 Floor Surface Asphalt NR E G E F F F E E E E E E NR NR Brick / Ceramic Tile NR E G E F F F E E E E E E NR NR Carpet NR E G E G G G G G E E G E NR NR Concrete F E G E G G G E E E E E E F NR Linoleum NR E F E F F F E E E E E E NR NR Steel, Ribbed NR E F G F F F G G G E G E NR NR Steel, Smooth G E G G G G G G G G E G E G G Terrazzo NR E F E F F F E E E E E E NR NR Wood F E G E G G G E E E E E E F NR Floor Condition Animal Fats G G G E G G G E G G G E G G G Chemicals, Harsh F F F F G G F E G F F E F F F Chemicals, Mild G F F F G G G E G F F E F G G Cushion Load NR E F E NR NR NR F F E E G E NR NR Floor Protection NR E G E G G G E E E E E E NR NR Metal Chips, Small G G G E F F G G G E G G E G G Metal Scraps, Large NR G G E NR NR NR G G E G G E NR NR Noise Protection F E F E F F F G E E E G E F F Oil & Grease G F F E G G G E G F F E F G G Water & Steam F G G G E E E E G G G E G F F Ratings: E = Excellent G = Good     F = Fair NR = Not Recommended There is no simple formula or rule that can be followed in selecting the proper casters. Many varying and individual factors must be balanced to make the selection which will do the best job for you. The following are several of the more important considerations.

• Load Weight – The heavier the load, the larger the wheel
  required for the caster. The weight of the load also influences
  the mobility of the wheel. Roller or ball bearings are recommended
  for loads over 400 pounds.
• Floor Conditions – Make sure the wheel you select is
  large enough to pass over cracks in the floor, tracks, moldings
  and other obstructions. For floor protection on linoleum, tile,
  etc., use polyurethane or rubber wheels. For carpeted floors,
  polyurethane is recommended.
• Rolling Ease – The larger the wheel, the easier it rolls.
  Roller bearings carry heavier loads. Ball bearings roll easier
  but carry lesser loads. When possible, use the largest ball bearing
  wheel for best results.
• Unusual Conditions – Each wheel material has certain
  characteristics which will give the best results where unusual
  conditions exist. Room temperatures are no problem for most casters.
  Corrosive environments, extreme heat or cold, oil or grease on
  the floor, small metal chips or other floor debris, and softer
  rolling surfaces, such as asphalt or gravel can be a problem.