Casters are wheels and mount assemblies. They are commonly used to mobilize equipment, carts, dollies, and racks. Whether you choose a name brand option, like Hamilton casters, or a cheap knock-off, you need to make sure that you get the best fit for your shop, so you adhere to any safety regulations. Here are some different things you need to consider to help you pick out the perfect caster.

Maneuverability

When thinking about maneuverability, you need to decide if you want rigid casters that only move in one direction or swivel casters that allow the wheel to rotate. Keep in mind that traditional swivel casters use a kingpin to keep the raceway together. However, this kingpin can take a lot of stress during use, and it is often a weak point when heavy loads are common. Therefore, if you plan on going with a swivel caster, you should consider using a kingpinless option.

Wheel Hardness

Generally, rubber casters are the softest, metal is the hardest, and plastic goes in the middle. However, you can use three different scales to identify hardness, the Shore A, Shore D, and Brinell scales. With any of these scales, the higher the number, the harder the material.

Size

Diameter and width are the two measurements to look for. The diameter is the wheel’s height, and the width is how wide the surface area is. In both cases, larger sizes will have less resistance, which means that equipment is easier to move. Also, they can withstand heavier loads and move quieter.

Materials

There are a lot of options when it comes to what materials wheels can be made from. The biggest thing you need to watch for is how compatible each material is with the type of flooring you have in your shop.

Load Rating

The load rating is the total amount of weight one caster can support. Sometimes this will be represented in poundage, and others, it will be identified as light, medium, or heavy-duty. To find the load rating you need, calculate the total amount of weight you will move. Then, divide this number by one less caster than you need to get a safe estimate. Always choose a caster that can support more than the resulting number for enhanced safety.

Choosing the right caster is crucial for your operation. Follow these guidelines to help you pick out the best caster for your shop.