Spring Loaded Caster Wheels

Spring-loaded, caster wheels are designed to absorb shocks and minimize the impact on the cart, resulting in smoother movement, reduced risk of damage and less noise.  Spring-loaded casters are ideal for applications where surfaces are not even, or flooring has damage or debris. They are also great for applications where the load may be fragile or highly reactive to vibration, such as small parts or glass. When searching for spring-loaded caster wheels, it’s crucial to consider factors like load capacity, wheel diameter, and material composition.

However, to achieve these benefits, the spring-loaded caster wheels must have the right springs to achieve optimal spring deflection. There is a science to determining proper deflection; the wrong shock-absorbing caster can do more harm than good. If the spring constant is too high, it could be the same as not having a spring. If the spring constant is too low, it could extend the impact of the shock, and continue to vibrate excessively.  Rest assured, our engineers are experts in the science of determining the right spring and caster combination for each application.

Overview

The high strength chrome vanadium springs provide longer life through constant flexing and compressing. The spring compression starts with as little as 25 pounds loading per caster resulting in cushioned loads and quiet empty returns. The long swivel lead reduces excessive shimmy and vibration while towing.

Application

Shock absorbing casters are ideal for jet engine dollies, aircraft jacks, in-plant trailers, trash gondolas, lift truck stabilizer casters, revolving signs and parade floats.

Options

Caster Concepts has a wide variety of caster options. Many of these not only improve function – but also provide safety and add longevity to the product. When considering safety options, the most common consideration would be caster locks, caster brakes, toe guards, and reinforced legs. Options that extend the life of a caster are primarily options that seal the bearing of the caster to prevent contamination of the precision parts.

Other options include threaded zerks for when an application is difficult and high level of maintenance is required and track brush wipers that keep debris from stopping movement or damaging a wheel. These options can be added at the time of manufacturing or after the caster is fully assembled.

• Brakes
• Locks
• More

Brakes

Wrap Around Brake
The wrap around brake provides total access to the braking system regardless of the caster orientation.

Single Side Brake
The single-side brake is an economical brake for medium heavy-duty casters with 6- to 12-inch diameter wheels.

Pneumatic Poly Cam Brake
Similar to the standard poly cam brake in operation, the pneumatic poly cam brake offers a greater movement of the brake shoe to compensate for pneumatic tires. The brake is foot-operated.

Face Contact Brake
The face contact brake is activated by tightening the brake shoe against the wheel.

Dual Side Brake
The dual side brake is a cost-effective hub brake. Each brake lever must be engaged by the operator.

Cam Brake
The cam brake is used on lighter-duty casters. This brake provides an efficient, cost-effective hub braking system.

Poly Lock
A polyurethane lock roller engages a steel brake shoe against the tread of the wheel providing positive engagement of the tread. Levers can be mounted “toe out” (shown) or reversed to “toe in.”

Locks

Passive Swivel Lock
The passive swivel lock is used when full mobility of a unit is needed. The swivel lock plunger engages a detent and locks the caster for straight-line movement. When side thrust is applied, the swivel unlocks providing maximum maneuverability of the unit. This swivel lock is NOT RECOMMENDED for towed applications.

Factory Installed Swivel Lock
The swivel lock provides notches every ninety degrees for use in straight line movement of the cart. Also available in 1, 3 or 8 position.

Heavy Duty Swivel Lock
The heavy-duty swivel lock provides a longer, more accessible handle made from machined steel.

Demountable Swivel Lock
The demountable swivel lock is a field-installed option available up to the 71 Series.

Vertical Mounted Swivel Lock
The vertical mounted swivel lock is mounted out of the way, under the yoke base of the caster. Used mostly in heavy-duty applications, this swivel lock provides a more secure locking feature.

Heavy Duty Demountable Swivel Lock
The heavy-duty demountable swivel lock is a field-installed option available for the 80s and 90s series of casters.

Foot Actuated Swivel Lock
The locking mechanism on the foot-operated swivel lock is the same as the standard swivel lock. To engage or disengage the lock, there is a pedal that can be operated by foot to improve ergonomics and speed of locking/unlocking a swivel caster.

More

Threaded Zerks
Threaded Zerks Grease fittings for every size caster.

Caster Toe Guards
A caster toe guard is a bracket that provides a barrier between the caster wheel and a cart operator's foot. Often used as a safety device, the toe guard is mounted approximately one-half of an inch off the floor. This height can be modified based on the terrain the caster must travel over. It can be used in both manual and power applications.

Track Brush Wiper
Add a track wiper brush for extra protection against debris and build-up. Track wiper brushes are utilized when any type of wheel is running on a track where debris can stop the movement, damage the wheel or take it off the track.

Sealed Wheels
Rubber inserts provide maximum protection against debris within sealed wheels.

Caster Steering Tubes
Slots for steering handles allow precision motion control for casters with steering tubes. Steering tubes are used on industrial casters that carry heavy loads and need to be manipulated in very tight places.

Angle Reinforced Legs
Heavy-duty angle reinforced legs provide maximum strength and rigidity. Reinforced Legs either angle iron on the outside of the leg or gussets on the inside serve to strengthen the caster when exposed to side loading.

Heat Treated Raceways
Heat-treated raceways in swivel casters are designed to prevent brinelling of the raceways.