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Buying casters to fit your carts and racks might seem like a no-brainer. After all, picking a caster that will support the weight requirements in your industry or application is relatively simple. There’s actually quite a bit that goes into picking a high capacity caster, so be sure to ask yourself the questions below before you make a decision.
This will ultimately determine whether you need to buy a standard caster or a high capacity caster. Remember that the weight capacity you see is associated with each individual caster, as well. If you need four casters, and each caster has a 5000-pound rating, then four casters would support a load of up to 20,000 pounds.
Next, think about the setting in which the casters will be used. Are the casters rolling over a smooth surface in a dry climate-controlled environment, or are the casters being used outdoors where they may encounter ruts, dips, or other potential obstacles? This can have a huge impact on the caster you ultimately choose.
With the wide variety of caster materials available, it’s vital that you choose one that will withstand unique factors in your environment. Some caster materials might rust when exposed to water or corrode when exposed to chemicals. Be sure that you’re choosing the right high capacity caster to suit these individual considerations.
Casters used in extreme environments day in and day out are far different from casters that are only used occasionally. Be sure to think about the unique situation and whether the caster will be in use 24 hours a day in a production setting or perhaps just once a week to move supplies.
Not all high capacity casters are rated to reduce noise, so this is yet another factor to keep in mind when selecting the right product for your needs. Some casters that absorb shocks will also absorb noise by reducing vibrations. Because the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) strictly limits noise exposure in the workplace, this is another important consideration.
When thinking about the temperature range, be sure to consider both the highest possible temperature and the lowest possible temperature where your casters will be used. Also, how long these casters will be exposed to extreme temperatures? While some high capacity casters will hold up in temperatures of up to 300 degrees indefinitely, others may start to fail at temperatures above 180 degrees – even for a very short period.
If you will be buying high capacity casters for any application, there’s far more to consider than just the weight threshold. You will also need to think about the overall environment and conditions where the casters will be used and even whether noise reduction is a priority.
