Four Ways That Swivel Locks Are Great For Any Caster Application
A good industrial caster will offer a multitude of attributes and benefits that will keep your carts – and your manufacturing operation – rolling forward. But if maneuverability tops the list of your industrial caster must-haves, it’s worth considering a heavy-duty caster equipped with a swivel lock.
Industrial caster applications involving swivel locks generally feature a combination of the straight-line stability you expect from a quality heavy-duty caster, with the added benefit of being able to lock individual casters into a rigid state to support specific tasks.
Generally speaking, swivel locks are permanent add-ons that would seem to do their job in an uncomplicated and straightforward manner. However, our engineers have worked to create some variations on the theme depending upon whether your application calls for a swivel-lock that puts a premium on compatibility, durability, strength – or a combination. Let’s explore this in greater detail:
1. Standard Caster Application: The standard swivel lock uses a spring/ plunger design housed in a barrel that is welded to the industrial caster top plate. The pin engagement notches are located at all four 90-degree intervals, so they run parallel and perpendicular to the heavy-duty caster legs. The spring and plunger are actuated by pulling and rotating the plunger so it engages with a notch on the swivel barrel lock.
2. Compatibility: The demountable swivel lock is the perfect component for any industrial caster application that requires adaptability. Although this type of swivel lock works much like the standard lock, it varies in that the barrel is welded to a separate plate with the same mounting pattern as the caster top plate. This component also allows for the lock to be removed and swapped out with other components, depending upon the application.
3. Maneuverability: When maneuverability is required for your heavy-duty caster application, the passive swivel lock is at the cutting edge. Because of its passive nature, the lock will keep the caster in one position until a side load is applied, allowing it to sway freely again. This type of swivel lock is permanently engaged and uses a plunger with round swivel section notches and tips that reduce the amount of force needed to disengage the lock. Since this locking mechanism remains permanently engaged, these are the ideal locks for an application that requires straight-line stability as well.
4. Strength: Swivel lock strength is paramount when dealing with heavy-duty applications. As such, the vertical swivel lock variant is the ideal component. This heavy-duty lock is different than most locks in that it is mounted perpendicular to the direction of motion. The plunger mechanism on this lock engages to holes drilled into the top half of the industrial caster swivel section. The vertical swivel lock is ideal for heavy-duty applications because complete engagement of the pin with the hole makes for a much stronger lock, capable of handling larger load capacities.
Here at Caster Concepts, we have engineered and can produce a wide variety of swivel locks for your application – and can even custom-design to your unique specifications. Design the exact caster for your needs on our Custom Configurator including the options you need, and download a 3D model. For additional information or a quote, please contact us at customercentral@casterconcepts.com or call 517-680-7950.
