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Choosing the right caster for your material handling application

Casters are an important part of many structures. Using the right caster makes material handling applications easier to move, which means higher worker productivity. One thing to remember, however, is that one size doesn’t fit all. Choosing a caster is different for every application.

Not all caster needs will fall under standard configurations. And the more custom a caster becomes, the more you pay for custom configurations. Choosing an inexpensive caster may seem like a good fix, but if you use casters that are incorrect for the application, a catastrophic failure may occur. The structure could collapse or tip over, causing damage to the product and possibly to the cart’s operator.

Another factor to take into consideration: identify the environment where the casters are used.  Pneumatic casters or corrosion-resistant casters are some of the best for outdoor applications. What are the conditions of the floors? What is the weight of the structure? And how fast is this structure going to be moving? These all play a factor in what caster you are considering. For example, faster speeds require a wheel that doesn’t heat up as easily.

Working within cost parameters

Because of all the factors involved, knowing a customer’s budget is central to making sure that the casters chosen for the application are appropriate and that the customer is satisfied. At Caster Concepts, our experience enables us to look at the application and ask the proper questions. There are times when a customer thinks they need a certain type or size of wheel, but once we go through the application, There are times when we can save them money by using something different than what they were considering. Customers sometimes ask us to provide a good, better, best option for casters to meet the application and give them some options.

There are many casters that will do the job, depending on what is important to the customer when it comes to durability, longevity, or price. There are times when an inexpensive caster can be used for the specific applications.  However, after talking with the customer regarding their needs, an inexpensive caster may work, but it will not last as long as a caster that is specified for the application. By going through this process, we determine the best caster at the best price point to give you the best return on your investment.

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