Picking suitable casters for industrial equipment, furniture and machinery is vital for smooth operation and long service life. Before making a purchase, it’s necessary to learn about common caster terms and core parameters, so you can select the most cost-effective and reliable solutions.
Essential Caster Parameters You Need to Know
Load Capacity
This is the maximum weight a single caster can support. When calculating the total load of your device, divide the overall weight evenly by the number of installed casters. Do not exceed the rated load capacity to avoid damage and safety risks. We also distinguish between static load for stationary use and dynamic load for moving scenarios.
Caster Size & Overall Height
Casters are classified mainly by wheel diameter. Besides size, the overall load height — the vertical distance from the mounting plate to the bottom of the wheel — is a key dimension to match your equipment installation. The tread width of wheels also influences load-bearing performance and wear resistance.
Mounting Structure
Most casters come with standard mounting plates with reserved bolt holes for easy installation. The bolt hole spacing must fit your equipment perfectly. The main bracket, also known as yoke, is divided into swivel and rigid types, two mainstream styles for different usage demands.
Swivel Performance
For swivel casters, offset and swivel radius decide rotation flexibility. A proper offset ensures the caster turns 360 degrees freely. Double ball race bearings are widely adopted in premium swivel casters, which bear vertical and lateral forces steadily and deliver great rollability.
Wheel Hardness
Durometer is used to measure wheel hardness. Different materials like rubber, PU and TPR feature different hardness levels, suitable for various floor conditions and working environments.
Final Tips for Selection
Always combine your actual usage scenarios: consider load weight, working floor, moving frequency and installation space. Professional casters with qualified materials and precise craftsmanship can greatly improve the efficiency of your equipment.
