Is a bigger caster wheel easier to move than a smaller wheel? The short answer is “Yes.” However, this is assuming all things are equal.
Several factors can change the effort with which a caster will roll.
The main factors within the caster itself that determine the push/pull force it takes to move a caster are the wheel size, wheel material, the type of bearings inside your wheel, and the length of the swivel lead.
If size were the only thing that mattered, increasing wheel diameter would always improve ergonomics. The other component to increasing ergonomics (based purely on size) is to decrease the width of the wheel. This creates the smallest footprint (the surface area the wheel is contacting) possible to reduce push/pull force.
There are obvious limiting factors because of the physics involved. For example, it’s not possible to produce a 2-foot diameter polyurethane wheel that is a ¼ inch wide while manually maneuvering a load capacity of thousands of pounds.
T/R 85 tread is ideal for applications that require industrial strength with a softer touch.
The next factor that improves upon ergonomic push/pull force is the materials that go into producing your caster. Testing has proven that harder polyurethanes, such as our 85A or our tear-resistant 95A T/R materials, can improve ratings when used in wheels with a smaller diameter.
Kingpin vs. Kingpinless casters can also cause differences in push/pull forces. A kingpin swivel caster may have spikes in the force used to move it due to the load all being carried on the kingpin. With a kingpinless caster, the weight is dispersed over the ball bearings that float freely in the raceway. By using maintenance-free bearings, dirt and debris cannot get into the bearings because they are sealed, a benefit that helps maintain ergonomics over time.
Another way to improve upon push/pull force or ease of movement when a heavy-duty load is present is to use dual wheel casters instead of a single wheel. The heavier the load, the harder it is for a wheel to roll and to swivel. When that weight is distributed across more wheels evenly, it will reduce the friction and the floor scrubbing that is caused when a caster swivels. Dual wheels can also help carry heavier loads at lower heights which can help provide a safer workplace.
Minimizing workplace injuries.Companies are taking advantage of using larger wheels on manually maneuvered carts. These larger caster wheels allow for improved ergonomics and reduced push/pull forces. ” This matters greatly when it comes to avoiding workplace injuries. Better casters mean fewer injuries and fewer comp claims because employees are not getting tired and injured due to exerting as much energy to move the cart. In some cases, using the correct caster can lead to a 50% decrease in push/pull force. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the best caster solutions for your unique needs. |
