Brakes and Swivel Locks are common add on’s for heavy duty industrial casters, each option offers additional benefits to a traditional caster,
Both brakes and swivel locks also add safety benefits
However, one issue that may arise from the use of brakes and swivel locks is a risk of the operator suffering from exertion due to excessive reaching, twisting, bending etc. Because the brakes and swivel locks are physically mounted on the casters, they are at the bottom of the cart or rack and require the operator to bend down and reach to engage them. If the brake or swivel lock is on a swivel caster, there is a chance that the lever to engage the unit may rotate under the cart, requiring the operator to twist, bend and extend their reach, increasing the risk of an injury.
For these reasons, we have created Foot Actuated Brakes and Foot Actuated Swivel Locks. These units are engaged and disengaged easily by a single motion of the operators foot, eliminating the need to bend or reach down. The foot actuated swivel lock is mounted in a manner to eliminate it from rotating under the cart, ensuring easy access for the operator, at all times.