Caster Wheels

Steps To Selecting A Proper Caster Wheel

Caster Concepts produces a large variety of industrial caster wheels in all sizes to meet your specific application. This includes cast iron wheels and polyurethane wheels to the user-specific v-groove wheels and flanged wheels. There are a few steps to review that can help determine which type of wheel you will need.

Step 1:  Where the wheel is being used?

High-temperature settings can have a negative effect on wheels. In these conditions, steel or high temp plastic work best. If maintaining floor conditions is priority one, you will want a softer material like polyurethane. It is durable enough to handle the abuse of poor floor conditions but softer than the floor to protect it. If ergonomics are a concern, consider Twergo or balloon tread wheels with PTMEG Ergo tread polyurethane.

Urethanes are also excellent if the caster wheel is exposed to a variety of chemicals or fluids that can degrade the tire. Is the wheel being used on a track? In that case, v-groove and flanged wheels are preferred to minimize guidance and rolling effort.

Step 2: Does your wheel need to transport heavy loads?

For heavier loads, larger polyurethane wheels both protect the floors and make the cart easier to move. And to keep the overall height down, steel and Nytec wheels handle heavier loads in a smaller size.

Step 3: Are ergonomics a consideration?

Generally, harder wheels move and swivel more easily. For instance, if after matching the floor and wheel composition you settle on, say, polyurethane, you must then evaluate the type of urethane, as this impacts ergonomics. There are various materials and durometers to choose from to meet your needs.

If you said yes to both steps 2 and three, you may have to go to a dual wheel ergonomic caster, such as our Twergo® Extreme.

Step 4: Consider your bearings

When thinking about wheels, don’t forget another important consideration: your bearings. Traditional roller bearings are still important in higher temperature applications. Ball bearings are typically the better option for most applications, especially for ease of movement. Tapered bearings are best for rigorous applications that see a lot of abuse, such as shock and side loading.

Whatever your requirements, Caster Concepts has a heavy duty caster wheel for your industrial application. If you still have questions regarding the proper caster wheel choice, you can click on the learn more button on any of our caster wheels below.