Things to consider when purchasing casters

2025-05-31 13:25:39

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August 23rd, 2022

When it comes to purchasing casters, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice for your equipment and tasks. It's generally not advisable to opt for cheaper options, as this could lead to damage to your floors or premature wear and tear of the casters. To help you make an informed decision, let's explore some key considerations when selecting casters for your commercial equipment.

What Are Casters Used For?

A caster consists of a wheel and a mount, designed to facilitate easy movement of carts, racks, dollies, and other equipment. Casters come in various materials, wheel diameters, tread widths, load capacities, and heights, making them suitable for different work environments and applications.

Things to Consider When Buying Casters

Application

Firstly, determine the type of equipment you plan to attach the casters to and assess the total weight they will bear. This will help you decide between light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty casters. Additionally, consider the environment in which the casters will be used. Will soundproofing or noise reduction be a priority?

Mobility

If your equipment moves primarily in one direction, such as heavy machinery used solely for cleaning purposes, fixed casters may suffice. However, if more maneuverability is required, swivel casters would be a better fit. For straight-line movement, you may need to decide if you need swivel locks. If you want the ability to control when the equipment rolls, brakes on the casters are essential. When engaged, the brakes prevent movement, while disengaged, they allow free rolling.

Wheel Material

The material of the wheel is another critical factor. Common materials include cast iron, rubber, nylon, aluminum, polyolefin, and polyurethane. Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of durability, noise reduction, resistance to chemicals, and load-bearing capabilities.

Mounting Method

Casters can be mounted in several ways. Some have stems that either screw or snap into place, while others feature flat plates that can be bolted onto the equipment. Vertical mounting using brackets is another option. Stem-mounted casters are often necessary for many applications, though this can limit the load capacity. For heavy-duty applications, plate-mounted casters are preferred as they increase the mounting surface area and enhance stability. Understanding your preferred mounting method will help you narrow down the available caster options.

With these considerations in mind, you should now have a clearer understanding of what to look for when purchasing new storage and transport accessories. Cookâ€™s offers a wide selection of foodservice equipment for sale. If you have any questions or need assistance when buying new foodservice equipment, Cookâ€™s is here to help.